Am I covered for medical expenses?
We try to keep our costs to you as low as possible - As people are all different we suggest that they each organise their own medical insurance.
Are families, single parents, children and groups encouraged to come?
We want to encourage families and single parents to come with us. As many families will tell you, our trips offer an invaluable and memorable experience for children over 10 years old. Please note that we expect all children to take part in the daily visits and not stay back at the accommodation.
Please note that under 18's do need to be accompanied by a parent or other adult guardian.
Any advice on Smoking and Drinking?
We aim to be sensitive to all people, including the team and the local community. We are ‘guests’ in a foreign country and need to be careful not to offend. We hope our volunteers will refrain from smoking if at all possible. For those that do though we ask for the utmost discretion.
Equally it is important to be sensitive about drinking alcohol in some countries. You will find many Christians and Muslims in Africa, struggle with a ‘drinking’ culture. If in doubt it is best to go for soft drinks. Our local guide will give you more specific advice on these matters.
Are any locations dangerous?
No. We undertake clear health and safety risk assessments. We would never take you if we believed there was any foreseeable danger and we regularly check with the Foreign Office for the latest travel advice. Please contact us if you have any concerns at any time leading up to the trip.
Are there any age related issues?
The oldest person to join a Possibilities trip so far has been in his 50’s – we are however set up to accommodate older persons and would anticipate taking travelers into their 70's.
Age is not necessarily a limiting factor, although there are some issues you may want to consider.
The pace of the journey is not slow and leisurely. Tropical, humid heat can be a factor and the trip will include a lot of land travel - a necessary evil when visiting Africa. Please call the Possibilities office for specific information on climate or accommodation if you are unsure.
Everybody is encouraged to contribute at their own pace; it is acceptable to opt out of an activity to rest, and there are always less physically taxing activities available.
The youngest child to have come on a Mission Direct trip is 12 years old. Please do call to discuss the suitability of a destination for younger children, as we love families to come.
Can I bring a group?
Yes - groups can come from churches, house groups, youth groups, work or schools to name a few. Contact us directly for more details on how to bring a group on a Possibilities trip.
Can I come if I am not a Christian?
Yes! We ask that people are sympathetic to our general ethos, but not that they subscribe to our beliefs. We ask you to participate fully in the programme; we work very closely as a team and need everybody to stick together to be as effective as possible. The charity was established from a Christian worldview but we are not a 'Christian' charity. We honour and love all cultures / people groups and respect all beliefs. You will be most welcome with us and we are sure that you will be comfortable whatever your religious persuasion.
How can I encourage my friends / church to support me on this trip?
It is best to keep your friends informed as to your plans and to make sure that they understand why you are traveling with Possibilities. This way they will be more likely to stand with you as you embark on this life-changing trip. If you are a churchgoer, you will often find that your church is keen to assist you in raising your trip contribution and keen to support you in prayer.
Hopefully there will be an opportunity to share with your church and other community groups, about your Possibilities experiences. Many who have been on a trip, come back with a friend, youth or home group, If you require material or speakers to encourage others to join you on a trip, please contact us.
How can I raise the money?
When people decide to come on a Possibilities trip, they discover how easy it is to raise the necessary money. Never let the fear of not having enough money stop you from committing to come – Visit our fundraising pages for some fundraising tips and ideas.
How do I apply?
Download an application form. Please then fill it the form, and send the completed form with a £150 non-refundable contribution (deposit) to 'Travel with Possibilities, 132-134 High Street, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8DW with one colour passport size photograph. All cheques should be made payable to: Possibilities. You can also contribute by credit card, through our website - www.possibilities.org.uk - if you pay income tax, please also fill in the Gift Aid form. Please give details of a referee, someone who knows you well - a church leader, a reference from an employer or a person who knows you well. The liability form must also be signed. For applicants under the age of 18 this should be signed by a parent or guardian. For all applicants under the age of 18 years at the date of outbound travel, a person must be identified going on the trip to act in "loco parentis’ and agree to do so. In this case a "Parental/Guardian Consent Form" must also be completed and signed by the parent or guardian.
What is a debrief day?
Returning home to ‘normal life’ can be challenging after everything you experience overseas. For this reason we run a Debrief Day after each campaign to help you make the most of your experiences. It is the chance to get together with all your fellow volunteers, along with the other teams that have been working on your project.
There will be joy and tears as people share moving stories of how they have been moved, how their lives have been positively affected. You will hear all the latest news from the project. We will also encourage you to consider what is next on your own journey.
Volunteers are almost always very positive about their Debrief Days and we consider this session, usually held in Needham Market, to be an integral part of the trip ‘experience’. For this reason we encourage you to make every effort to attend both the orientation and debrief days.
What is an orientation day?
This is a day organised for you get to know your fellow team members and learn in detail about the trip and how to prepare for it.
It is an integral part of the volunteering ‘package’ helping you to prepare both practically and emotionally for the trip you are about to go on. Amongst other things it helps in the following ways:
- It allows you to meet and bond with your team, preparing you to work together more efficiently when you arrive at the project.
- It helps volunteers to come with appropriate expectations of the trip and what they will be doing.
- You will learn more about how to raise further money for your trip, and discover how your fellow volunteers have fundraised.
- You will learn more about a large number of practical issues, from what to pack, to issues regarding baggage allowances and airport details.
- We give you the latest details about the project you will be working on and what will be required of you.
For all these reasons and more, you are strongly encouraged to attend both this and the re-orientation day which follows upon your return to the UK.
What should I wear?
Different countries and cultures have different views about what is and is not acceptable to wear. We ask that all volunteers respect these sensitivities in their choice of clothing. You will be given detailed information about the dress code for your trip on your orientation day.
In general cool, comfortable, loose fitting clothing is advisable. Remember you may be doing such practical – and messy – tasks as painting and building, and so dress accordingly: do not buy new clothes; rather we recommend you pack old ones you will not miss. Some people acquire appropriate clothing from their local charity shops. Many volunteers leave much of their clothing behind for the local community.
Your feet must always be fully covered on the work site, while open shoes or sandals are acceptable at other times. In Uganda, light jumpers may be needed in the evenings. You will learn about expected temperatures for your trip: use your common sense and pack accordingly.
What vaccinations will I need?
For legal reasons, we cannot advise you on specific medical and vaccination requirements. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your GP or health clinic as soon as possible. Some surgeries offer injections free when they hear what you are doing, others charge.
Yellow fever vaccination is a legal requirement for Uganda and your yellow fever certificate may have to be shown to the immigration officials to gain entry. It is also vital that you take anti-malaria advice from your doctor.
Ensure that you bring extra supplies of any medications you are taking as these will not be available locally. We expect volunteers to bring their own medication for ailments such as stomach upsets, diarrhoea, colds and headaches. When you buy anti-mosquito spray or roll on ask the pharmacist about sprays containing Deet which tend to be more effective.
We recommend that you consult your GP before applying if you have any significant health issues. If we have any questions about the information you have provided on the medical form we will contact you – in some circumstances we may ask for a fitness to travel certificate from your GP. Our overseas staff will advise you on keeping healthy - both physically, emotionally and spiritually. Please come if you are healthy, no matter how old you are.
Where will we stay in the country?
Accommodation can vary from a high class hotel to a basic guest house. On occasions there be no running water and you may find showers are just a bucket of warm water and a jug! At times there may be limited electricity too, so do bring a torch! If the standard of accommodation is important to you, you may wish to discuss which trips would be suitable for you with one of our staff.
When in transit, we try to put married couples together but it may not be possible for a night or two. Where possible we will also try and accommodate children (18 and under) with parents, where requested.
Why don't I just make a donation and not waste it on going?
- The fact of the matter is that the money would almost definitely not be raised if you were not going in person. Friends are far, far, more likely to give to a project that you are involved in.
- As well as transforming the local community, this trip is likely to transform your outlook. By seeing the effects of poverty first hand – and seeing it alleviated – your attitude towards poverty and materialism is likely to be transformed along with your long-term giving.
- Often the biggest contribution you make on a trip is a completely unplanned act of kindness or generosity; there are countless stories of these, like a young girl going to school for a year after a chance meeting at a well.
- Possibilities trips are all about relationship. Time and again locals tell us ‘we can’t believe that you came in person to help us.’ We can assure you that you too will be glad that you made the effort.
Why should I join Possibilities Team?
Joining a Possibilities team will not only allow you to make a direct personal impact upon the lives of the poor, it is likely to alter your whole outlook on life. A Possibilities Volunteering Travel Experience will give you a holiday never to forget, a new outlook on poverty and developing countries and a lasting experience that may just change the way you view the world forever.