A year that prepares you to live, serve & lead for Jesus
You want to serve God and grow, but you’re unsure what’s next.
Maybe you’ve just finished school or uni.
Maybe you’re wondering what life looks like as a Christian in the real world.
Maybe you feel called to ministry, but don’t know where to start.
You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out alone either.
Ready to take the next step?
Give one year to something deeper
This is the year you step out of the regular day-to-day. And into something that shapes you.
A one-year, residential volunteer programme in the UK.
Live in community. Learn the Word. Lead through service.
It’s full. It’s fast. It’s not easy. But it’s good.
You’ll study the Bible. Work hard. Lead quietly. Laugh loudly. Pray often. And walk closely with others and with Jesus.
You’ll clean toilets. Host a student social. Lead games. Scrub pans. Carry luggage. Organise socials. Pray with a guest or student. Learn to speak truth, gently. Hold space for someone else’s story. Grow deep roots in Scripture, community and real-life faith.
You’ll do things you didn’t expect.
And become grounded in the One who never changes. It’ll stretch you. Shape you. Grow your faith.
And yes – it’ll grow your CV too.
Welcome to the Serving and Leadership Training (SALT) Programme at Capernwray.
Don’t wait – spaces are limited.
We only have 20 places available each year and a limited number of charity worker visas. If you’re from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you will need a Youth Mobility Visa which are not limited. For full details, visit our Coming from Overseas page.
What you’ll get
You’ll learn from a ministry that’s been equipping young adults for 50+ years.
- 1-year residential ministry training
- Bible teaching & prayer
- Leadership skills through real ministry roles
- Discipleship & church placement
- Certificate of completion (but the growth speaks louder than the paper)
Real stories
I have already learned so much in my time here, but the thing that has struck me the most is that the gospel really does unify God’s people. I’d never lived or worked in an intercultural setting before, so seeing both staff and students come from across the world and form such a loving community straight from day one despite their differences is such a clear picture of God’s wider church to me. – Miriam, SALT programme 2024
To be honest, the SALT programme has stretched my faith more than I could have imagined. I think I went into it slightly close minded, but it has challenged me in so many areas and helped me improve my walk with Jesus in day to day life. It has also helped me to walk out my Christian faith, both with new people but also friends and family whom I have known my whole life. – George, SALT programme 2023
Your journey starts with a simple plan
Apply
Start your journey by filling in the short application
Join the team
Live with other young adults from around the world
Grow deep & lead well
Through discipleship, daily Bible reading, practical service & leadership development
What do you really gain from giving a year to God?
Here’s a glimpse of what that year might hold…
Spiritual growth
- Give a year to service. You’ll be surprised who you become.
- Learn the Bible with others. Not just to know more but to live it.
Practical training & leadership
- Ministry training by mop, mic, and message—sometimes all in the same day.
- What never to do when given a mic at 20 and how we’ll train you anyway.
- Why peeling potatoes and prayer form better leaders than most courses.
- Some lessons come from books. Others come from mops and shared prayer.
Clarity & calling
- Why 95% of gap years offer fun but no clarity and how this flips the script.
- This isn’t a shortcut. It’s a steady walk with Jesus.
- This isn’t the next big thing. It’s the next small, faithful step.
Community life
- Community is hard sometimes. That’s how God uses it to change you.
- You won’t just get a certificate. You’ll get something more lasting.
Who it’s for
- You’re 18-29
- You’re ready to grow deeper in Christ and live out your faith
- You want to serve, not be served
- You’re open to God’s leading, wherever it takes you next
What life looks like on SALT
- Build faith foundations, team & community life
- Serve in hands-on ministry roles
- Learn biblical leadership through real responsibility
- Participate in outreach, evangelism, and team projects
- Reflect, grow, and prepare for what’s next
New intake begins in September. Applications open now.
FAQs
What are the costs?
There are no programme fees. All meals, accommodation, and training are covered. You’ll only need to fund your travel, which we will reimburse up to £1650, visa, and insurance.
Do I need to speak English fluently?
A working level of English is required for group teaching and communication. Support is available as you settle in.
Is this programme for me if I don’t feel ready to lead?
Yes. SALT is designed to grow you into leadership, no matter where you start.
Can I apply if I’m outside the UK?
For full visa guidance and country-specific info, visit our Coming from Overseas page. Yes! We welcome international volunteers from across the world. Support for visa processes is available. We only have 20 places each year and limited charity worker visas. If you’re from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you will need a Youth Mobility Visa.
What does a typical day look like?
Daily schedule includes practical service, Bible teaching, personal devotions, team time, and rest. It’s full but deeply fulfilling.
Step into the life God is calling you to
Applications are open now.
The year begins on 11 September.
You’re only one click away from your next faithful step – apply now.
Have questions? Ask us a question.
