EVS: purpose• To enable young people to develop holistically,

working with them to facilitate their personal, social and educational development, to enable them to develop their voice, influence and place in society and to reach their full potential.

EVS: purpose• The European Voluntary Service (EVS) gives

young people the opportunity to express their personal commitment through full-time voluntary work in a foreign country within or outside the EU.

• The EVS aims to develop solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people, while contributing to strengthening social cohesion and promoting active citizenship. 

EVS – how it works• EVS allows young people aged 18-30 to take part in

unpaid and full-time voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country within or outside the European Union.

• Volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations and bring community benefit, as well as develop their own skills. Voluntary service may take place in health and social care, environmental conservation or other community projects.

• An EVS project can include between 1 and 30 volunteers who can do their voluntary service either individually or in a group. To send or host volunteers through EVS, organisations will need to apply for EV accreditation, which includes signing up to the EVS Charter.

EVS – how it works and why it matters• Anna Sowa

former EVS volunteer (now: Producer, Chouette Films)• Carla Fyfe

Acting Director, Xchange Scotland • Mark Gifford

Director, The Asha Centre• Marianne Kristensen

Overseas Volunteer Co-ordinator, Leonard Cheshire Disability

• Mary HegartyVolunteer Officer – EVS, Bryson Charitable Group

EVS – find out more• Key Action 1: Youth mobility projects

https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/apply-for-youth-mobility-funding

• EVS Accreditation https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/european-voluntary-service-accreditation-for-youth-organisations

• European Youth Portal: database of EVS Accredited Organisationshttps://europa.eu/youth/evs_database