'People at home need us, too'

Natalie St Just could have chosen to go abroad in her year out but instead decided to stay in Britain and help her community.

The 23-year-old from Welling, Kent, decided to take a gap year before beginning a masters degree course, and used the time to help people with mental-health problems.

She enjoyed it so much she now volunteers while studying at the University of Westminster.

Ms St Just said: "It was a very fulfilling experience, knowing that you are helping someone.

"I looked at schemes to go abroad but you have to have a bit of money and I just think it's nice to be able to do it in the UK because you're helping those around you.

"Although it's nice to help those abroad, it's easy to forget there are people at home who need it, too," she said.

After graduating in psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University, Ms St Just spent a month helping to teach IT skills to patients at a local hospital.

She then went on to volunteer at a residential home for people with mental-health problems.

Ms St Just now helps to look after a child with autism in her time off from studying.