This is a guide. You're responsible for managing risks and maintaining safety. Read our safety guidance

Keeping participants safe while preserving the challenge’s transformative power requires understanding the difference between meaningful discomfort and genuine danger.

This section helps you navigate health and safety considerations that protect your participants while maintaining the authentic experience that makes Trials & Tribulations so impactful.

In this section

  • Health and safety overview

    This section helps you navigate health and safety considerations that protect your participants while maintaining the authentic experience that makes Trials & Tribulations so impactful.

  • Avoid winter

    You might think running your Trials & Tribulations challenge in winter would make it more "authentic" and challenging, but honestly, it's not worth the risks.

  • Fasting

    The fasting element of your challenge is powerful for building empathy with refugee experiences, but it needs to be managed thoughtfully and safely.

  • First aid

    You don't need to become a paramedic to organise a safe challenge, but having someone with basic first aid knowledge and the right supplies can make all the difference.

  • Respect limits

    Part of organising a successful challenge is recognising that everyone has different physical abilities and making sure everyone can participate meaningfully and safely within their own capabilities.

  • Staying safe

    Most of staying safe during your challenge comes down to being prepared, staying alert, and using common sense. You don't need to be a professional to keep your group safe, just thoughtful and responsible.

  • Staying well

    Keeping everyone healthy and well during your challenge isn't about being medically qualified, but about being observant, prepared, and responsive to people's needs.

  • Timing

    Getting the timing right can make the difference between a meaningful, manageable challenge and a stressful ordeal. Good timing is about creating the right conditions for people to engage safely and meaningfully with the experience.

  • Weather contingency planning

    While participants should expect to get wet and muddy, there's a difference between manageable discomfort and genuine danger. Having solid weather contingency plans keeps everyone safe.

  • Crisis management during the event

    No matter how well you plan, emergencies can happen. Having clear protocols for serious incidents helps you respond quickly and effectively, protecting participants while minimising panic and disruption to the event.

Guidance last updated: