Your questions answered

The primary beneficiaries are the communities themselves: children accessing education, families in safer homes, and local organisations with improved facilities and support. Projects are proposed and led by local partners, and our role is to stand alongside them with practical help and encouragement, rather than deciding what should happen on their behalf.

Mission Direct is a UK Christian charity that partners with local leaders around the world to support long-term community projects. For over 20 years, volunteers have joined these partners for short, focused trips that help build schools, improve homes and strengthen community-led initiatives.

Mission Direct currently works with partners in a number of countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Exact locations can vary from year to year, depending on where long-term partnerships are established and where communities have asked for support.

Our trips are not holidays with a bit of volunteering added in; they are service-focused visits that fit into long-term, locally-led projects. Volunteers come alongside community leaders who know their context best, and projects are designed and owned by those communities for impact that continues after the team goes home.

We work only with trusted, in-country partners who share our values and are already doing effective, locally-led work. Before launching or continuing any project, we look for clear community ownership, realistic long-term plans and safeguarding standards that protect children and vulnerable adults.

Yes. Mission Direct is rooted in the Christian faith and guided by biblical values of justice, compassion and service. Our faith motivates us to work for dignity and opportunity for those who face disadvantage, wherever they are and whatever they believe.

No. You do not have to be a Christian to volunteer, donate or otherwise get involved with Mission Direct. Our teams often include people who are practising Christians, people exploring faith and people who do not identify with any religion at all, united by a shared desire to serve alongside local communities.

Most trips run for about two weeks. Mornings are usually spent on a specific building or renovation project, and afternoons visiting partner-led programmes such as schools, feeding projects or rescue centres. Towards the end of the trip there is usually a day or two of rest and reflection, with time to experience some of the local culture.

Work depends on the project and your abilities, but typically includes tasks like painting, basic construction, classroom preparation or helping with practical tasks for partner projects. You will never be asked to do anything beyond your training or comfort level, and there is always local expertise directing the work.

No. Many volunteers have never laid a brick or used a paintbrush in their lives before joining a trip. Team leaders and local builders will guide you, and there are usually jobs to suit a wide range of skills and energy levels – from practical tasks to supporting community activities.

The trip contribution usually covers return flights from the UK, in-country transfers, accommodation, most meals, bottled water, travel insurance arranged through Mission Direct, and planned excursions or rest days. You will need to budget separately for items like vaccinations, personal spending money and any optional extras.

Safety is a key priority. We work with experienced local partners, carry out risk assessments and follow clear safeguarding and security procedures. Appropriate travel insurance is arranged as part of your package, and you will receive detailed guidance before you travel, including health and safety information.

Accommodation varies by country but is chosen to be safe, clean and comfortable, usually in guesthouses, small hotels or similar local facilities. Rooms are often shared with other team members, and you will be briefed in advance about what to expect in your specific location.

These are service-focused trips, so most of your time is spent supporting local projects. However, most itineraries include some rest and relaxation, such as a local excursion or cultural visit towards the end of the trip, giving time to unwind and reflect on what you have experienced.

It is natural to have questions about the environmental impact of flying. All volunteers have the option to offset their flights with an additional financial contribution which is passed to Climate Stewards to support their carbon offsetting initiatives worldwide. Details of their projects can be found here. If you are uncomfortable with flying, we can explore other ways for you to support the work without travelling.

Probably not. Volunteers often join teams well into retirement and bring life experience, wisdom and steady presence that are highly valued. As long as you are reasonably mobile and able to cope with the heat and pace of the itinerary, age is rarely a barrier – and we can talk through any health questions with you.

Under-18s are usually welcome as part of a group with appropriate adult leaders, such as a school or youth group, or when travelling with a parent or guardian. Safeguarding is paramount, so we have clear guidelines and will discuss the best option for your situation.

Yes. Many teams include couples, parents with older children, or extended family members. Serving together can be a powerful shared experience, and we will be honest about which trips are most suitable for different ages.

We aim to welcome volunteers with a wide range of abilities and health needs, and many roles can be adapted to suit different levels of mobility or energy. Some destinations and activities have physical limitations, so we will always talk through your specific needs, access requirements and medical advice to ensure safety and dignity for you and the team.

Many volunteers join trips while managing long-term health conditions. The key is to seek advice from your GP or specialist, share relevant information with us early, and choose a trip that fits your capacity. Together we can look at climate, altitude, activities and local healthcare provision before confirming your place.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to cope with warm weather, basic manual tasks and a fairly active daily routine. Teams include people with different levels of fitness, and there are usually a range of roles on site and in community visits so you can serve in a way that is sustainable for you.

Yes. Many volunteers raise some or all of their trip costs through fundraising. Mission Direct provides resources, ideas and guidance to help you approach friends, family, churches, schools or workplaces. We can also help you explain the project clearly so supporters understand they are giving to a specific, long-term piece of work.

Feeling nervous is very common, especially if it is your first time travelling in this way. Before you go, you will be invited to online orientation sessions where you can meet your team, hear from experienced leaders and ask questions. During the trip, your UK team leaders and in-country staff will be with you, guiding the group and checking in on how everyone is doing.

Mission Direct trips are shaped by Christian faith, so there is usually an optional rhythm of prayer, reflection and, where appropriate, simple acts of worship within the team. Nobody is forced to take part, and we expect all volunteers to respect one another’s beliefs and backgrounds.

You are welcome. Many volunteers come with questions or with no fixed beliefs at all. Trips often open up honest conversations about faith, justice and hope, but the focus is always on serving alongside local communities, not pressuring anyone to believe a certain way.

Absolutely. You can support Mission Direct by giving, praying, fundraising, spreading the word or helping at events in the UK. Sharing stories with your church, school, business or community group can be just as powerful as travelling yourself.

There are often opportunities to help with events, administration, communications or church engagement from the UK. From time to time we also look for volunteers to support with specialist tasks such as photography, video editing or copywriting.

We love to equip people to be ambassadors. We can provide resources, slides, stories and guidance to help you host an information evening, speak at a service or run an assembly. If you are interested, please contact the office and we can explore what would work best.

Yes. We work with churches, schools and youth groups to plan group trips that fit their needs, safeguarding requirements and educational or discipleship goals. If you are a group leader, we can talk you through available destinations, costs and timelines.

Often, yes. Teachers, medical professionals, builders, administrators, fundraisers, communicators and many others have brought their expertise to support our partners. Tell us about your skills and we can advise whether there is a suitable opportunity on a current or future project.

You can give a one-off donation or set up regular giving securely online, by bank transfer or by post. Gifts are used to support specific projects and partners, as well as the core costs that make those projects possible.

Yes. Regular giving helps us plan more effectively with our partners and commit to longer-term projects. Details of how to set this up are available on our giving pages or from the office.

Partnerships with churches, schools and businesses are a vital part of our work. This might involve fundraising for a particular project, hosting a speaker, organising a group trip or committing to regular support. Get in touch and we can explore options together.

Yes. We can provide stories, images, videos, posters and ideas to help you plan fundraising events or services. We can also help you explain clearly how the funds will be used and share updates on the impact of your support.

We aim to steward every gift carefully. A significant proportion of donations goes directly to project costs on the ground, with a necessary share supporting UK-based coordination, safeguarding, volunteer support and fundraising so the work can continue sustainably. We publish financial information each year for full transparency.

You can sign up to our e-newsletter, follow our social media channels and join our prayer updates. Returning volunteers are also invited to reunion events and receive ongoing news about the projects they have supported.