Super exciting news: I have been accepted onto the International Citizenship Service programme and have been partnered with Y-Care International. ICS works with communities that specifically request their help and aims to inspire young people in and out of the UK to become active citizens. I will be volunteering overseas in Sierra Leone over the summer on this amazing programme.

Whilst out there, I will be working with a local YMCA on projects that aim to help young people lift themselves out of poverty through enterprise and employment and also ensuring health services are accessible to those in the area that need the help. Part of the ICS mandate is to ensure that all placements leave a lasting impact to the area so everything we do out there will be with the aim of making a long term difference to the lives of those that live there.

The first part of my placement is to raise £800 which goes towards the work of Y-Care International and their ICS partners. The money goes towards the overall costs of ICS and ensures that they can continue to send youth volunteers to the developing world. It all makes a real difference in these disadvantaged countries.

Among other things, I am making some gorgeous canvas bags with my flat mates and firends to sell for funds and have planned a sponsored week without music (which will undoubtedly lead to a very angsty Nicola - more than normal!). In conjunction with Colchester Homebrew Supplies, we ran a raffle that raised £500 and I also have my own Canterbury based raffle running at the moment!

Please donate what you can; even a few pounds will make a huge difference to people living in the communities that ICS helps. Keep an eye on my progress here, on www.facebook.com/NicolaSadlerICS or on my blog https://teatimeatuni.wordpress.com and please share this page with anyone that will listen!

Thank you so much for your support!

Nicola xx