PRACTICAL NEEDS OF A GROUP

It is impossible to make out a complete list of what a group needs or of what should always be taken on a visit because each situation is different.

ESSENTIALS  USUALLY  INCLUDE: -

An up-to-date passport, with necessary visas. If group members are from more than one country it is important to check up on different requirements. A passport should normally be applied for six months before a visit. Help should be given to group members in filling in visa forms and it is always advisable to describe the reason for the visit as holiday."

NB. It is wise for the group leader to take the air tickets to the airport and to give them out there.

Health and baggage insurance. Health insurance should be very good, and should include a person being brought home in case of serious illness.

The group leader should have a personal indemnity insurance.

Special care should be taken to check up on the prevalence of AIDS in any country to be visited, and precautions should be taken if necessary. These include the group leader carrying new needles and syringes for injections, needles for sewing up cuts, and information on the blood groups of the group members. Ideally a group will include at least two people from every blood group represented. If there is an isolated person then extra blood may be carried. If an emergency arises it is wise to contact the British Embassy or High Commission.

A group should be advised on which injections are necessary and which are advisable, and on which drugs should be taken, before, during and after a visit.

Two helpful publications are available from the Health Publications Unit, No. 2 Site, Heywood Street. Manchester Road, Heywood, Lancs. OLIO 2PZ.

They are:- "Before You Go. The Traveller's Guide to Health" and "While You're Away. The Traveller's Guide to Health. ". Copies of these booklets may be obtained for every member of a group, and the first one includes the necessary injections. The information given may then be double-checked with a doctor, or with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

If the visit is to be to a tropical country then protection is necessary from sun, insects and water. Most of the details are common sense, but each group member should carry a water bottle and water sterilising tablets.

A torch is useful.

Gifts should be taken for the host community, and for host families. Details may be discussed at the preparation day.

Photographs of the families and communities of the group members are always appreciated

If your visit is to be to a tropical country SEE OUR SPECIAL "KIT LIST FOR THE TROPICS" and check off the contents of your baggage against it. Many of the items on the list are necessary for any Christians Aware visit.