Know someone who's out of work, or drifting along without a challenge

Know someone who's out of work, or drifting along without a challenge?

As a parent, relative or friend of someone who isn't working right now, it's hard to know how to help. With as many as one-in-five 16-24 year olds now looking for work, the highest ever on record, part of the 2.47million adults unemployed, most of us know someone in that difficult position.

While it can be a frustrating and disheartening time for anyone who can't find work, it's equally tough for those around them who are desperate to help - but don't know how. Is it possible to offer genuine help without patronising? How can you motivate and inspire your loved ones to get off the sofa and onto the career ladder? At what point do you offer direction?

The good news is, there are opportunities out there, and not always in the jobs section of the local paper. For example, The Vodafone World of Difference programme, delivered by the Vodafone Foundation charity, is giving 500 people the chance to get a two month placement with a local charity of their choice - and be paid for it!

Time spent working for a charity is not just a rewarding experience for the worker, it will make a big difference to the charity, the wider community, and make a big impression on the CV. For those not currently in work, or anyone looking for a new challenge, this is the perfect opportunity to donate time and experience to charity.

The World of Difference project is open to anyone over eighteen anywhere in the UK. Applications must be in by the closing date of November 3, and should include details of the charity you would like to work for. The two placements can be taken in either January or April 2010 and the Vodafone Foundation will pay the charity chosen a total of £2,500 with the winner getting the balance after tax and national insurance has been paid.

In Episode three of our four-part Web TV series, we are joined by property magnate Caroline Marsh - who has firsthand experience of uplifting people to reach their goals, as seen on Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire. Caroline is joined by professional life coach Rebekah Fensome, who specialises in helping individuals realise their life goals, and improve their confidence and self esteem.

Click here to watch the video: http://www.webchats.tv/chat/make_a_difference_part_3

Someone who knows the difference you can make in your town when it comes to donating your time is Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan. She joins us, along with Ally Stevens, from the Vodafone Foundation, who can explain exactly how to enter. http://www.webchats.tv/chat/make_a_difference_part_4

For more information visit The Vodafone World of Difference programme here: http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/