A 4 Week Visit

Preparation - A Brief Outline

There is a hive of activity throughout the preceding months with fund raising activities and preparatory meetings.

Host Families are visited, approved and CRB checked as are recruited Support Families and Helpers.
Based on the needs of the Host Families and our Link finances we can determine the number and select the gender and age of the children.

The Leaders in Belarus/Ukraine also arrange preparatory meetings with the children, their families and other representatives.

The flights and dates are booked for the visit well in advance through the national charity and monies are paid.

A balanced programme of at least 3 weekly activities during the visit is arranged for the children, Leaders and Host Families to enjoy.

In Belarus and the Ukraine the children and Leaders are selected based in part on our requests.
As we visit in April of each year we can make some preliminary assessments before the Summer Visit.

If possible, clothing, footwear, vitamins and toiletries + other essentials are collected by our supporters to distribute to each Host Family.

Transport is arranged to and from the UK airports.

Dental and optical appointments are booked.

The Visit - A Brief Outline

The children and Leaders travel from their homes to Minsk airport. This can be quite a long journey.

The children will be tired, excited, emotional, apprehensive and first time travellers abroad.
They are met by our Link representatives at the UK airport (usually Manchester in the summer and Gatwick in the winter)

They travel by coach to a local pre-designated venue where the Host Families meet and greet their allocated guests.
There is some time to talk with the Leaders and sort out any necessary details regarding the children.

There is a Welcome Party or a similar Get Together

Our Link Chairperson is in constant liaison with the Leaders and they are available 24 hours every day during the visit.
They are responsible for the safety and welfare of the children.
They visit homes to ensure any concerns are dealt with and that the children and Host Families are settling in together.

Link organised activities give the opportunity for the children, Host and Support Families, Helpers and Leaders to meet together socially and interact.
We are fortunate that many attractions in and around the Newark and Sherwood Link area support us with this each year.
It is hoped the children will attend as many Link organised activities as possible although Host Families can make private arrangements with the Link’s permission.
Children are not allowed to holiday outside of mainland UK.

Other than that the Host Families have the quality time to provide for and care for their guest children and Leaders.

Our Link recognises the importance of the Host Families and will ensure that they are fully supported throughout the visit.

Host Families are encouraged to be involved as much as possible and perhaps invite the Leaders into their homes and share a meal.

Before we know it 4 weeks have passed and it is time to go home to Belarus/Ukraine.

There is a Farewell Party and travel arrangements organised.

Going home can be quite emotional for all.

Would you like to have some memories to treasure?