Each year over 100 people from the UK decide to spend a day visiting the child they sponsor, which Plan helps to arrange. Read their stories.
A visit is a wonderful opportunity for you to see first hand how sponsorship contributions are making a real difference to your sponsored child’s community. Meeting the child you sponsor is a fantastic experience for both you and their community. It can be a huge boost to community morale and leave you and your sponsored child with memories that will last a lifetime.
Plan staff are always pleased to host visits from sponsors and it is an exciting event for everyone, especially the child you sponsor and their familiy. You will make them very proud.
How to arrange a visit in four easy steps
Step 1 - Fill in the 'Sponsor Visit Request and the Visit Agreement' forms - All visits to sponsored children must be arranged through our office. We can arrange a one-day visit to meet the child you sponsor and their family. We require you to complete the Visit Request and the Visit Agreement forms - and each of your guests to complete a Visit Agreement form. Please return the forms to us at:
Step 2 - Request your 'Criminal Records Bureau' (CRB) check.
We also require visitors over the age of 18 to obtain a background check from the Criminal Records Bureau. In line with our child protection policy, we need to know about any convictions for offences against children or that may endanger the family or community. This must be applied for 2-3 months before your visit, and it must not be older than 6 months at the time you visit.
Please give us 2 to 3 months' notice so that we can make all the necessary arrangements for your visit; there is no need to wait until your background check comes back before sending in the other relevant forms. Our Plan field staff and your sponsored child's community will want to make the day very special for you, and this requires careful planning. Remember, you may be their first overseas visitor. If at any point you need to cancel, or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can inform the community.
Step 3 - Prepare for your visit - We will do all we can to make your visit as successful as possible. We cannot offer detailed information or advice on travel arrangements which are often subject to constant changes. Please contact your travel agent regarding flights, visas, insurance, accommodation needs and for immunisation advice.
To request a country-specific visit guide, or if you have any further questions, please contact our visits team on 020 7482 9777 or email us at uknovisits@plan-international.org.
Step 4 - On your return - On your return, we will either contact you by phone, or send you a visit questionnaire. This will give you the chance to share your experience with us, and help us improve our service to others.
Many people are inspired by visits to the communities we work with and return home wanting to do more to help. There are many ways in which you can maximise the impact of your visit on your return, including:
making a donation to projects in the wider area where your sponsored child lives,
encouraging others to sponsor through Plan,
fundraising for Plan,
sharing photos and stories about your trip with other Plan sponsors and the public through our magazine and website and your local newspaper - our PR department can help with this,
becoming a Plan volunteer speaker, to tell others about your experiences.
Please feel free to contact our Plan UK staff if you would like to know more about any of these activities on 020 7482 9777.
