A LEDBURY woman, who recently spent three months volunteering in Malawi, is now using the skills she developed overseas to help out more, by encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and volunteer.

Natalie Jones, aged 24, said her experience of working in a country so badly afflicted with HIV was "eye opening".

And now she is fund-raising for the VSO "to help get more young people aware of these placements, and get them involved in challenging themselves to change the world".

Natalie added: "I think it's so important that young people get involved in projects like this – more than half the world's population is under 25, so we’re the ones with the power to change things.

"This not only allows young people to help another community develop, but develops the person themselves, teaching them new skills and giving them confidence."

Natalie, travelled to Malawi with international development organisation VSO, as part of the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

She worked alongside young volunteers from Malawi and the UK on a sustainable development project.

Natalie added: "Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalences in the world despite progress the country has made in controlling its HIV epidemic in recent years.

"Our team's goal was to educate school classes, youth groups and community organisations about HIV, risks and preventions, as well as other issues surrounding it such as gender equality. Our project was a real challenge to start with; but working with different local charities, bringing different services together was really rewarding. We also got people of different generations to discuss difficult topics, challenging each other's ideas. It’s great to think that these conversations will help young people take control of their lives and go on to reach their full potential. I also got to experience a whole new culture and made some friends for life."

She said: "My ICS placement was a real eye-opener, and now I'm back I'm keen to help out in my own community. I am fundraising for VSO to help get more young people aware of these placements, and get them involved in challenging themselves to change the world.

"I will be promoting VSO on social media and talking about my experiences. People can donate by going to justgiving.com/nataliejones800 ".