• Mission Agencies
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  • Short Term Screening
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  • Post-travel volunteer support
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Post-travel volunteer support

We offer a range of post-travel support to volunteers and expeditioners who return from overseas adventures including routine Returner’s medical Check-ups, Short Consultations (for ill returnees) and psychological health support, particularly for reverse culture shock and trauma management.

Returner’s Medical Check-up

Although most people return home well and without problems, you can never be sure.

Did you know that about HALF of all swimmers in Lake Malawi test positive for Bilharzia when checked at InterHealth or other tropical centres?

Your volunteers and expeditioners can contract Bilharzia and feel entirely well for the first few months without any symptoms at all!

On return we recommend that some individuals attend for a Returners Medical Checkup. These include those who have any persistent symptoms, who have had any significant illness, have travelled in remote or dangerous areas or have had exposure to a potentially serious tropical illness such as bilharzia, TB or a sexually transmitted infection. Anyone with fever needs to be seen at once and we can see them on the same day they phone in. Those who have remained well and have no obvious health issues are encouraged to complete an on-line Clean Bill of Health Form.

Short Consultation

Short consultations are specifically designed for anyone returning from abroad who has symptoms such as fever or diarrhoea and who needs to be seen without delay. They last up to 20-25 minutes, address a particular health issue, and do not include a general examination and screening.

We aim to see anyone with a fever or if seriously unwell the day they phone in. We send out malaria tests with a rapid turn-around time and keep in touch with the individual until their problem is resolved.

Psychological Health Services

Organisations sending individuals abroad increasingly recognise the need for Psychological Health support and advice. Our Psychological Health team are specialists in Trauma Management and have expertise in post-traumatic stress, and counselling for reverse culture shock. They have helped many individuals work through common readjustment issues faced by volunteers and expeditioners returning to the UK.

Personal Impact Reviews can be helpful for anyone who has experienced a distressing incident, or is suffering from stress or anxiety on return home. In addition, the team are experienced in helping individuals work through readjustment issues. We work closely with InterChange which offers careers counselling for volunteers confused or uncertain about future options for work or study. Appointments can be arranged at our premises.