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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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