In an Emergency

Office hours are from 9-5 Monday to Friday and the telephone number is 01879 230444.
In a major emergency the Director's home telephone number is 01879 230038. Other staff can be contacted on 01879 230346 or 230098.
In the evenings and at weekends we prefer to deal with emergencies only. All home telephones have the BT Callminder answer service on them but you are advised not to rely on leaving messages on these alone but to keep trying.

How to stay safe in your gap year

Whether you want to save the world, or just see it, your first priority has to be protecting number one. Tanya Hubbard, who spent her gap year with Project Trust in China, was Safety and Security Officer. These are her ten tips for travellers embarking on a year overseas.

1) Be vigilant
Be aware of what is going on around you. Be especially careful at night, on public transport and in crowded areas, and avoid being on your own or walking in poorly lit, quiet areas.
Keep an eye on your property all the time. If you use a small rucksack, wear it on your front, so the pockets are less accessible. If you use a handbag, make sure it has a long strap so you can wear it across your body. When sitting down, keep your bag on your lap, or wrap the strap around your feet.

2) Be adaptable
Behave in a way that fits the local culture as much as possible. Dress appropriately; anything low-cut, tight or revealing may be unacceptable locally and can draw unwanted attention to you. The same goes for political or provocative slogans.
Be aware that smoking or drinking may not be socially acceptable, particularly for women. Think about how it is culturally appropriate for the different sexes to interact and try to follow this, if you don't adapt, you can send out dangerous signals and stand out as a target.

3) Travel light
Avoid taking expensive cameras, ipods or mobile phones away with you. These are not everyday things in many countries. If you do carry gadgets, be very careful not to flash them about and be aware that they can attract attention.
Do not carry more money than you have to. If you can, establish a bank account so that you can take out small amounts. If you are on the move, do not carry all the money in one place: spread it about your person (e.g. in a money-belt) and your luggage so that if anything is taken you still have enough cash to get home.
You don't need to take all your credit or debit cards out every day. Leave one somewhere safe (e.g. with a host) so that if your wallet is stolen you still have access to funds.

4) Make a plan
Think ahead. In any new situation, work out what the risks are likely to be and how you can reduce them. Learn the word for 'thief' in the local language - you may find that local people will leap to your defence.

5) Look after each other
If you have a travelling companion, keep an eye on each other and each other's property, particularly if you have been drinking or if one of you is unwell. It is always safer to travel together, even if that means waiting at a party you aren't enjoying, or leaving earlier than you really want to.
If you're travelling in a group, don't all fall asleep at the same time with your valuables on view. Take it in turns to be lookout.
Be aware of the risk of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Look out for your friends and take steps to avoid putting yourself at risk. Different cultures have different rules of engagement, and flirting can easily be misinterpreted.

6) Look after your home
Whether you are staying in one place for a while, or moving around, it pays to look after your accommodation and work out what the risks are in advance. Many dangers can be reduced with a little caution. - Be aware of exits and escape routes in case of fire - Lock the doors when you are out and conceal any valuables. - If you are staying in a hostel, check that the bedroom doors lock.
Sleep wearing your money belt or with money under your pillow. - Check the building so that you are aware of any dangers such as exposed wires and potential carbon monoxide or other gas leaks. - Don't let anyone you don't know into your accommodation.

7) Do take expert advice
Listen to local advice about how to behave and which places are safe to go to. Check the Foreign Office 'Know Before You Go' website regularly and don't venture into any no-go areas. When you have been abroad for a long time, you can become over-confident, but you are just as vulnerable at the end of your gap year as at the beginning. You may have picked up a few words of the local language, but this doesn't turn you into an expert or a local.

8) Don't take unnecessary risks 
You can still go bungee jumping, but getting into a car with a drunk driver is a risk too far.
Avoid drinking too much. You are far more vulnerable and less able to protect yourself when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hitch-hiking may be normal in the country you are visiting, but it is extremely unadvisable. Never hitch on your own and avoid making long journeys or entering the home of someone you do not know by yourself.

9) Put yourself first
If you are the victim of a theft, do not fight or protest, especially if there is a weapon involved. Hand over what is being requested and get away as fast as you can. Your camera can be replaced; you cannot. Make a noise to attract attention and help, but do not try to pursue your attacker; they may lead you into areas or situations that are even more dangerous.
Find a police station as soon as you can and report the incident. Even if there is no chance of your attacker being caught, you should still get a police report, as this could be essential for insurance claims.

10) Don't panic
Think about the support networks you have available; friends, family, your gap year organisation, the Foreign Office, and use them. If you are the victim of a crime during your gap year, make sure it is reported.
If something does happen, don't feel guilty, it is not your fault. It isn't unusual to feel upset, afraid or depressed after you have been the victim of a crime, but there is advice and support available.
Try to avoid making snap decisions immediately after the event. It is natural to want to go home when something unpleasant has happened, but most situations can be resolved locally and you could regret a hastily-made decision to cut your experience of a lifetime short.