Focus Ireland, the voluntary organisation for homeless people, is now recruiting for its one-year Community Service Volunteer programme. Participants work in different areas of the organisation, before going on to further studies in social work.

CSVs are usually recruited from social-science courses, but applications are invited from graduates of psychology, youth and community courses or those with experience in the voluntary sector. "The CSV programme is recognised as high calibre by many universities. It's particularly suited to people planning to do a master's in social work," says Elaine Bradley, volunteer co-ordinator with Focus. Contact Bradley on (01) 475 1995. Interviews for the 27 posts will be held in April.