1. How do I raise the money and where does this go?
2. How do I prepare and get fit?
3. What kind of people take part?
4. How much do I have to pay?

5. How and when do I need to sign up?
6. Who organises the travel arrangements and can I stay on afterwards?
7. What should I expect?

You will receive a fundraising pack once you register with ideas, guidelines and tips to help you meet and even beat your target (or download your pack here). You will be surprised how much you can achieve once you set your mind to it, with a little help and inspiration from us.

Set up your free online fundraising page and talk to other fundraisers online at myactionaid.org.uk We can also put you in touch with past participants to get some tips from those who have ‘been there’ and have their own invaluable advice. See our fundraising page for more information. ActionAid can offer free resources, including access to a short ActionAid DVD, images and support with putting together presentations on our work to help you raise awareness and inspire others to support your fundraising efforts.

If you haven’t raised the required sponsorship by the deadline date (10 weeks before your event), you can put in the money yourself, and if necessary pay this back from the money you go on to raise. 

All money raised from ActionAid’s First Hand Experiences funds ActionAid’s priority work fighting poverty around the world. Find out more about what your sponsorship could achieve.

Part of your sponsorship may be used to directly benefit the project you will be working on – specific information on how this donation will be used is provided before departure.

When you join the ActionAid team you will be supported throughout. We'll send you a fundraising pack containing ideas and inspiration to help you reach your target. You will also receive detailed information to help you prepare for the experience itself including kit lists, training advice, country information, responsible tourism guidelines and more. 

We will also be in regular contact with you through newsletters and updates and are more than happy to answer your questions and concerns and offer any advice and help we can to assist you with your preparations.

Everyone who signs up has two things in common - a sense of adventure and the desire to help those less fortunate. The group will be made up of people from all backgrounds, abilities and ages. Whilst some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way to meet new people. You will find that the group members quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.

You have to be 18 (or 16 if accompanied by an adult) and there is no upper age limit. If you have any existing medical conditions or are over 65 you are required to obtain consent from your GP.

Our trips are designed for people of average fitness who have carried out some training in advance. You will receive detailed training guidelines and support to help you prepare.

No previous experience is required to take part – just motivation and the desire to make a difference.

To reserve your place we ask you to pay a registration fee of £300 (can be paid in two instalments) and then raise a minimum sponsorship target (this varies between trips). Your registration fee is non-refundable and is used to reserve your place. It goes towards covering your trip costs and is a token of serious fundraising intent.

A minimum of 50 per cent of your fundraising target goes towards ActionAid's priority work with some of the world's poorest people. This could help rebuild lives after an emergency, help us campaign for access to HIV/AIDS drugs for all or give a community access to healthcare, education or water. The balance will go towards covering your trip costs.

Each event information pack will include details on the trip costs, and what is and isn’t included in these. Generally all costs are included other than tips, transfers to/from UK airports, and in some cases airport taxes will be extra.

You can pay as much or as little towards the trip costs yourself as you like.  

Places on our events are limited and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We recommend you register as early as possible to ensure you have a place on the trip and to give you longer to raise your sponsorship and prepare.

To sign up you need to request your free information pack, choose your First Hand Experience and then complete the registration and medical form. Please return these forms to ActionAid along with your registration fee.

Once you register you will receive your detailed fundraising pack within a week and you can start your fundraising and preparations.

If you have any more questions before signing up please don’t hesitate to contact us on +44 (0)1460 238000 or email experiences@actionaid.org

ActionAid's First Hand Experiences are organised by experienced tour operators with established social responsibility policies. This includes providing employment by working with local support staff, and following environmental care guidelines to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment as a result of our challenge.

For First Hand Experiences the tour operator Charity Challenge offset all flights against CO2 emissions used. For other challenges do ask your tour operator whether this applies, or how you can arrange this if it isn’t automatically included in your trip costs.

For ActionAid’s First Hand Experiences specialist travel insurance is provided. For any other challenges you will receive advice on travel insurance on registration.

Trip extensions can be arranged subject to numbers and flight availability.

You will be sent the appropriate extension information on registration. 

Your group will be made up of like-minded people who are passionate and committed. Together you will have an experience of a lifetime as you overcome personal challenges and meet local people, hearing how ActionAid has helped to change their lives. You will come home with memories and photos to treasure for years to come.

ActionAid’s First Hand Experiences take place in developing countries which may have limited internal infrastructures and basic facilities, but this is all part of the challenge! We maintain the highest standards of hygiene possible and the standard of service, friendliness, help, care and support you receive will be second to none.

On our treks you will only need to carry your day pack as your main luggage will be transported for you. If you are seeking a life-changing experience for yourself and the communities you are helping, then our First Hand Experiences are for you!