Slide 1

Health and Safety Briefing!

Slide 2

Why is the Health and Safety briefing important? To preserve our track record (no serious incidents in 20 years). You cant underestimate the value of trust. To keep risks to a minimum. To avoid worrying NCs unnecessarily. To ensure the ongoing support of the British Embassies and Consulates. To ensure the ongoing support of Rough Guides. To ensure the continuation of the Hitch in the future.

Slide 3

Hitching Rules!!! All Hitchers must be over 18. All Hitchers must hitch in groups of 2 or 3, with a male in every group. Everyone in a Hitch group must be registered for the Hitch with Link. All Hitchers must have returned their Pledge of Sponsorship and Nominated Contact form, and provided proof of insurance before they start hitching.

Slide 4

Hitching Rules!!! All Hitchers must have attended a Health and Safety Briefing before they start hitching. All Hitchers must have a Nominated Contact that will be in the UK throughout the duration of their Hitch. If a Hitcher is under 21 and their NC is not a parent, Link must receive permission from their parent. All Hitch groups must start hitching from the UK.

Slide 5

Slide 6

Pre-departure Checklist The below documentation should have already been provided: 375 in sponsorship or a completed Pledge of Sponsorship form. Nominated Contact Declaration of Responsibility form. Purchase Links insurance policy (27.50) or give details of an alternative policy that covers hitching.

Slide 7

Pre-departure Checklist The below documentation must be provided before the 16 th March: Health & Safety briefing confirmation. Complete and up-to-date passport details. Date and place of departure from UK for each group. Anticipated date of return to the UK. Group details how many Hitchers in each group, their names and mobile numbers.

Slide 8

Hitching Guidelines Do Do keep your Hitch Emergency Contact Card, Link authorisation letter, passport, and insurance policy on you at all times. Do make sure males get into the vehicle first and out last. Do take at least one WORKING mobile phone per group and make sure your mobile number is up to date on your Hitch account before you leave.

Slide 9

Hitching Guidelines Do Do make sure you know where you are going at all times. Do wear your seatbelt! Do make sure you catch lifts in well lit public places. Do follow Links tracking procedure at all times you MUST text in by 4pm GMT every day that you are hitching. Do TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Slide 10

Slide 11

Hitching Guidelines Dont Dont Hitch after dusk. Dont compromise your safety in aid of getting to your destination quicker. Dont accept a lift from a driver who you suspect has been abusing alcohol/drugs, whose driving you dont trust, or who you dont feel comfortable with. Dont attempt to board ferries without a valid ticket (it is stealing!)

Slide 12

Hitching Guidelines Dont Dont hitch on motorways. It is ILLEGAL. Dont accept a lift on a motorway. Dont obstruct traffic in any way or attempt to catch lifts on dangerous bends with bad visibility. Dont put your luggage in the boot of the car.

Slide 13

BE WARNED Hitching over the Easter bank holiday weekend is notoriously difficult, especially in Spain which all but shuts down for 3-4 days. If Hitchers plan to travel over this weekend they could have some long waits between lifts if they manage to get a lift at all! Easter Weekend 2012: 6-9 April

Slide 14

Tracking Procedure 1. Contact Link (Hitch Textline) to confirm you are starting your Hitch, and again as you leave the UK. 2. Check in every day before 4pm UK time even on the first day if youve already contacted Link to say you are setting off. 3. Check in on arrival at your destination with both Link and your Nominated Contact to report the end of your Hitch. 4. Check in one final time upon arrival back in the UK. Hitchers must follow a strict, compulsory tracking procedure:

Slide 15

Slide 16

Slide 17

Tracking Procedure This is an automated tracking system, so Hitchers must send messages in a consistent, precise format: Place, Country, Group number, Message Malaga, Spain, 28, Having an awesome time Morocco in sight! Rijeka, Croatia, 33, Weve arrived, wahoo! Malaga, Spain, 28. Having an awesome time Morocco in sight! In the north of Croatia heading towards Rijeka, were a bit lost!

Slide 18

The text message format must be accurate and precise. You will receive an automated response to every message you send if this doesnt arrive, try again. Always carry your emergency contact card. Ensure that your mobile phone is roamer ready and that you take a charger and a European adaptor (perhaps even a car charger) Remember

Slide 19

Know your numbers Hitch Textline - Fully automated system Hitch Hotline - A back-up system for any groups unable to text, having problems with the system etc. - Voicemail outside office hours but checked regularly. - Not suitable for emergencies. Emergency Mobile - Manned 24 hours a day. - Only use in emergencies!!!

Slide 20

General Things to Remember Tell your bank that you are going abroad. Make sure your phone works abroad. REMEMBER mobiles are not covered in the insurance policy, so you may want to take a cheap / old phone. Health insurance (EHIC card). Give your hitching partners mobile number, and your hitching partners Nominated contact number to your NC (and parent if they arent your NC) before leaving.

Slide 21

What to pack! Essentials - passport, mobile phone, Link Hitch info sheets, EHIC card, money/travellers cheques, return flight tickets, first aid kit. Useful Hitch items Hitch t-shirt, cardboard/whiteboard and marker pen/ banner, road map, strong and comfortable shoes, a book, a warm jumper, snacks, tent, sleeping bag. Highly recommended Rough Guide to Morocco/Croatia, sun cream, water bottle, small torch, camera, tent, rain coat, swimwear! Morocco specific long sleeved tops, long skirts/trousers.

Slide 22

Slide 23

What not to pack! Cuddly animals youve got two hitch partners to cuddle Scary books Nice clothes everyone looks like a tramp so its fine Nutri-Grains (too squishy!) Your Mum

Slide 24

Other useful stuff Loo roll Bin bags Baby wipes Foam thumb Muesli bars Safety pins Journal/diary An umbrella

Slide 25

Its worth the wait Im stuck what can I do?!! Waiting for lifts is a part of the highs and lows of everyones Hitch experience. Every group will spend time in service areas or by the side of the road but this is to be expected Dont be frustrated or downcast if you have to wait for a few hours for a lift your next kind driver is always just around the corner, and youll fare better with a smile on your face! Stay positive there are far worse ways to spend your Easter holidays! The longer youre waiting for a lift, the more amazing and euphoric it will feel when you get picked up and can continue your journey!

Slide 26

Ten steps to Hitch-hiking heaven! 1) Try to stick to main roads and get dropped off at busy locations e.g. service stations. 2) Choose places to wait that mean the driver can stop easily if they cant see you in good time and stop safely, they wont bother! 3) Travel light the more luggage you carry, the more space a driver will need to have in order to put pick you up. 4) Pack a whiteboard and marker pen and write in big bold lettering. If nobody picks you up then change the wording! 5) APPROACH EVERYONE dont wait for people to come up to you and offer a lift! Confidence is key.

Slide 27

Ten steps to Hitch-hiking heaven! 6) Be positive, cheerful and friendly...and above all, SMILE! 7) Learn the lingo if you can chat to potential drivers then youre more likely to get picked up. Phrase books are handy. 8) And once youre in the vehicle keep chatting! Most drivers will pick you up because theyre looking for company. The more engaging you are, the longer your lift will last! 9) Be eye-catching think dancing, bright colours, fancy dress and amusing hitch-hiking signs. 10)Be prepared for the journey ahead carry water, warm clothing, high-energy snacks, some kind of entertainment and AN UMBRELLA!

Slide 28

Slide 29

Unofficial Advice Be prepared to have problems getting out of cities - you may have to take public transport at some points. Be prepared to walk! People may tell you hitch-hiking is illegal (even policemen on occasion) but dont worry its not! This is when you can bring out the hitch letters explaining what you are doing in foreign languages. Get the people who give you lifts to sign your Hitch t-shirt! Make your signs big, bold and simple Tollbooths are good

Slide 30

Thanks for coming! Questions? Have a good time and take loads of photos Make sure youve signed the register before you leave, otherwise youll have to come to another meeting! Write your Karni group on the 2 nd sheet going round this is your hall (or medics karni etc). If youre not in halls just pick your old hall or your favourite!