Run your own project

Running your own voluntary project can be one of the most exciting and satisfying things you've ever done. You can make the most of your talents, rope in your mates, do the things you've always dreamed of doing and boost your CV, all while making a difference to a cause you care about.

Starting your own project can be daunting, but there are loads of ways to get help, support and funding to get your idea off the ground. Click here for a list of organisations who can help you bring your ideas to life.

Improve your local area

Liam, (AGE), got funding from vcashpoint to set up his own project in his hometown, Milton Keynes, to promote graffiti and skateboard art. "There wasn’t anything like it in Milton Keynes, so I decided to start it myself through contacting friends who are artists and photographers.  Make a Difference, a volunteering project in Milton Keynes, helped me to apply for funding .

"A couple of my friends are DJs and they run a DJing workshop. They don’t get paid, and they don’t care.  They are doing something they care about, and they get a buzz. We've created a regular platform for young skaters and artists to get involved in something they have a passion for and show their talents."

Start a campaign

Evans, 20, set up an anti-violence campaign with help from ITV Fixers, after his friend, Robert Spence, tragically died. "I have always wanted to do something for my community and then when one of my best mates got stabbed last year at the age of 17, I thought this was an apt time to get started on making my community a better place.

"The biggest thing I did as part of my project was to hold an event in our town hall, called Veto Violence. It was a combination of performances and a debate between local politicians, young people, policeman and even Robert’s dad came and spoke. We had over 300 people attend which just made me feel like it was all worthwhile.

"ITV Fixers supported me throughout the project and even made some films about it that were shown on TV, which helped me both to advertise and to spread the word the wider public. If it convinces just one person to not carry a knife it will be worthwhile."

Do more of the things you love doing

Celebrity favourite Trekstock was founded in 2006 when Sophie Epstone, then 24, signed up for a Teenage Cancer Trust trek to Everest. To raise money, she put on a little music gig, and promoted it using her now cult 'I ♥ Trekstock' blue badges.

Since then, Sophie has created more opportunities to indulge her passion for music and fashion. Trekstock has launched its own fashion line during London Fashion week, toured the UK festival circuit, gained charity status, and attracted support from big names including Beth Ditto, Mark Ronson, Katy Perry, Jack & Kelly Osbourne, The Klaxons and more.

Sophie says: "I think the reason that Trekstock has worked and grown to such a (little monster) huge thing is that I am really passionate about the cause and also despite obstacles I have never given up on it. It may look big now but it all started with a small idea to hold a little fundraiser for a trek and over time the ideas and the drive grew along with the hope that it was going to make a difference to the charities that it supported. I think that you have a great idea, how ever big or small, you must believe that it's always doable and there is always support out there to help you make it grow."

Achieve your dreams

Lake of Stars founder Will Jameson achieved his dream of running an international festival. Back in 1998, after falling in love with Malawi during a six-months' volunteering in Africa, he went to study at Liverpool John Moores University and decided to set up a club night with his mates. The event was named Chibuku Shake Shake, after the Malawian beer, and went on to win Best UK Club in the Mixmag Awards in 2004.

In the same year, he held the first Lake of Stars Festival headlined by Chibuku favourite, Groove Armada’s Andy Cato .

Will says " I had dreamed and talked and thought about starting something back in Malawi for years.  A lot of people and close friends tried to advise against the idea and I had no funds to invest but my mind was made up – I had to get it launched and make it happen.

"It had to start small so we could keep costs down but I can’t believe how big the project has eventually become. Over 3000 people attended the festival this year from all across Africa and the rest of the world. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done but then so rewarding at the same time, I love doing it!

"Headline acts like SWAY, Basement Jaxx and the Maccabees volunteer their time and perform for free, a volunteer team run our London office and we work with volunteers from Bristol to Manchester who stage their own brilliant vinspired Lake of Stars gigs and clubnights. Together we produce one of the best festivals in the world. "