The Vodafone Group Foundation is searching for four people to put their jobs on hold for a year and take their skills and passion to work for their favourite charities. Through the World of Difference programme, the Foundation will pay four individuals up to £25,000 towards their outgoings as well as £20,000 in expenses. Applicants can either choose to work for organisations based overseas or in their local areas as long as they are UK registered charities. Research commissioned by The Vodafone Group Foundation and carried out by Tickbox.net/Opinion Matters shows that six million workers experience low points in their jobs on a daily basis. Many claim that a pay rise would help, but 41 per cent feel there is more to life than what they are doing now and many of these admit that taking a break from work to pursue other interests or offer their time to charity would boost their job and life satisfaction.

The survey also found that seventy per cent of people don’t feel that they could financially give up their jobs to do charitable work. Through the World of Difference programme, individuals will be paid a salary and expenses to enable more people to apply.

Oscar-nominated actress Samantha Morton recently spent a day making a world of difference to her favourite charity A National Voice. She said: "I feel really passionate about helping children and young people who are in the care system. 'I support A National Voice as it aims to make positive changes to the Care System in the UK and gives a voice to those being cared for. 'The World of Difference project gives people the opportunity to work with their own favourite charity - I've seen first hand what a difference an extra pair of hands can make.'

Andrew Dunnett, Director, The Vodafone Group Foundation added: 'When we’ve run this programme in other countries, organisations ranging from elephant projects in Thailand, to an orphanage in Columbia, to supporting a local centre for those with chronic pain have all been supported by successful applicants.

'We want four really passionate UK individuals to donate themselves to their favourite charities for a year to make a world of difference.'

World of Difference has received support from many UK charities and NGOs including Oxfam, MapAction and Business in the Community.

David Spackman, Director, MapAction said: 'What a great idea, and many congratulations to the Foundation for coming up with such a good concept.

'I’ve put out an all-stations call to our volunteers in the hope that I can prise one away from their day-jobs to apply for the opportunity.'

In order to take part, an online application form can be filled in at www.vodafonefoundation.org and applications close on 31 July.

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