Q: What dates will the children be visiting?

The Derby Link currently host children during the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks in August. We prefer families to host two children at a time for either the first or second fortnight of their stay.

Q: I would like to apply, but what happens next?

If you are interested and you have provided us with your contact details, a member of the committee will arrange to visit you and your family at home. Hosting children has many rewards, but it is a big commitment. If we feel that you are able to fulfil these commitments and you are still interested in hosting children, we will ask you (and any family members over the age of 16) to complete a CRB check. Once we have confirmation that your CRB has been cleared we will contact you to find out more about when you are able to host. Sorry but we a required to have CRB clearance.

Q: What information will I need to provide?

We will need your name and address and contact details, including your home telephone number, your daytime contact number (if different from home number), your mobile number (if applicable) and your email address (if applicable). We will also require details of anyone living with you over the age of 16 (we will require a CRB check to be carried out for any one living at your address over 16) and details of any children under 16 (to try and help match host families/children). We also need to know whether you prefer to host boys/girls/interpreter, and which fortnight you would like to host (first/second/either). It would be helpful to let us know details of any pets (just in case any of the children have any allergies) and any other information you think we need to know (e.g. hobbies/interests). All of this information will help us to match you and you family with the children.

Q: What happens if there are more host families than are required?

Preference would be given to first time hosts and we always try and match up families/children as best we can. However if we find ourselves in the fortunate position of having more host families than we need, we may ask you to be put on a reserve list. This is just as important as being given the opportunity to host in case we end up with host families have to drop out at the last minute.

Q: Will I have the choice of which children I host?

We normally host 20 children per visit (a mixture of boys and girls). The organisers in Belarus will determine which children should come across on a priority basis. As such we sometimes find that the mix does not always match host families preferred choices. It would help us if you could be as flexible as possible in your choices, but we will not place children with you without consultation if we cannot find a near match (e.g. if you specified that you preferred boys instead of girls, or if we could only offer you the second fortnight if you had specified that you wanted to host the first fortnight).

Q: Will I get to meet other host families beforehand?

There are a number of meetings/social events throughout the year. Anyone interested in hosting will be welcome to join the meetings to find out more. Approximately 6 - 8 weeks before the children are due to arrive we hold a meeting for all host families, which gives new families the chance to find out more from famile that already have the experience of hosting. Many of the experienced host families are willing to "buddy up" with new host families and we can arrange to put you in touch with someone who has previously hosted. In addition we will give you details of the family that will be having the same children as you (before or after depending on if you are first or second fortnight).

Q: What support will be available if I have a problem with the children?

The Derby Link hosts sponsors 20 children per visit. There will be two interpreters that accompany the children. You will be given emergency contact details if you need to speak to someone with any issues or concerns you have. On the days that you drop off/pick up children you can also chat with the interpreters regarding any general issues you may have. Likewise, you may find that by chatting to other host families you may be able to run ideas part then or discuss any thing minor. Whatever you do though, never feel that you cannot discuss any problems that you may be experiencing. There are occasions that you may feel a child is unhappy or being uncooperative, when chances are it is simply a lack of communication. One quick call can solve a number if problems easily.

Q: Will I have to be able to speak any Russian?

We don‘t expect families to learn Russian, but you may like to try and learn a few simple words. We will provide host families with a list of phrases that you and the children can refer to. If you want to buy a phrase book or Russian dictionary, you should be aware that Belarusian is slightly different and with a Russian dictionary, the children might not recognise the Russian spelling. If you have any real difficulties, you will be able to contact on of the interpreters.

Q: If I have to have a home visit before becoming a host family, why does the interpreter have to also visit my home?

As soon as possible after the children arrive you will be visited by one of the interpreters and a member of the committee. The interpreter will talk with the children on their own, and look at the room they are staying in. This so they can check that the children are okay and give them an assurance of any concerns they may have. They will also be able to discuss with you (and relay to the children) any "do&slquo;s and don&slquo;ts". For example you may have a shower and the children will need to need to know how it works. In some cases, children may not have any indoor sanitation and the will need to be shown how a toilet works! It may be that you have a bush or plant in your garden that has poisonous berries, which they may not realise. The list is endless, but one quick visit will in most cases prevent anything from becoming a problem.

Q: When will I get to meet the children if I host during the second fortnight?

We encourage families that are hosting first, to make contact with the family that will be hosting the children next. It is also a good idea to try and arrange at least one visit (either the second family visit you or you visit them) so they won‘t be going to someone completely strange. Families often form a very strong bond with children and making this contact can also help you when it time to let them go. Likewise many families that have hosted for the first fortnight may like to make contact during the second fortnight just to see how things are going. We also hold a farewell party at the end of the visit, which all families are invited to.

Q: How will I know what they will eat?

You should encourage children to eat a balanced diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are particularly important as well as encouraging them to eat fish and meat. You may find that children are reluctant to drink fresh milk. This is because in Russia they don‘t have much fresh milk and the dried milk they have is not particularly nice. If children have any food allergies you will be told before they come to stay. Children will find some foods unfamiliar and not unlike our own children they may not always been keen to try. Pasta and potatoes are very familiar to them and Corn on the Cob is seen as a big treat. Again, if you have any concerns you should discuss the matter with the interpreter. Our children have always loved Bannanas but some times it takes a day or two for them to start eating them, bet be warned they can weasily empty the fruit bowl once they start.

Q: What organised outings are there and will I be expected to pay?

The Derby Link holds at least two organised outings per week for the children. These trips provide an opportunity for the children to meet and talk with their friends and the interpreters. (Just think what it would be like if you lived in a country for 4 weeks and everyone spoke in a different language to you). We cover the cost of these trips, but you may be required to transport them to a pick up point or to the venue itself. We will give you a list of all the organised events beforehand. We will also give you contact details of all other host families and you may find this particularly beneficial if you want to car share on days when you have to take children on the organised outings.

Q: Can I go/send my children on the organised trips?

It may be possible for you attend on some of the trips if we require additional adult support, although these places will be limited (any entrance fees would be covered by the charity). It may be possible that you and you family can go on some of the organised trips if there is space available on the coach, but you would be required to pay any entrance fees etc. We regret we are unable to take any unaccompanied children from host families.

Q: What sort of activities should I do with the children during the rest of their stay?

This will depend very much on what sort of activities you and your family enjoy. We would ask that children do not participate in anything that may be dangerous, but likewise we would encourage children to do something more than sit in front of a TV screen. Children must not be allowed to go and play away from the home unsupervised. Families who have previously hosted may be able to give you some good ideas of what they have found to be successful, and if you are hosting for the second fortnight you will be able to get a good idea of what they have already done. For many children, any of the experiences we take for granted will be a totally new experience for them (e.g. swimming in a pool, ten pin bowling etc). Things that you and your family will take for granted, may be a totally new experience for them. Going for a walk in the park, or going shopping to a supermarket is just as much an experience for them as going to a theme park! To many of the children the suprmatket is a paradice and if you have food preferences they can then show you.

It is important remember that there are sometimes that the children will just need rest as much as they need to play. Quite often the children will want to spend times quietly in their room. This is not sign that they are being antisocial as often at home they spend a great deal of time indoors. If you have any concerns, please speak to an interpreter.

Q: Will I be able to keep in touch with the children once they go back home?

You may find that you will hear from the children (although it‘s more likely to be their parents. In some cases though, you may not hear anything at all. Children will be children and they lose bits of paper with your address etc. You can be assured though that your kindness and generosity is appreciated and that you will not be forgotten. Committee members who have visited Belarus have met up with families who want to pass on their gratitude to host families they may have lost contact with, sometimes years after their visit.

We for instance still recieve Christmas Cards and letters from on girl who came to visit us five years ago, but other have only every sent one thank you letter. Please do not be surprised or dissapointed by not recieving a letter the familey may not know anybody who speaks English. Could you write a letter in Russian?

Please always ask if you have any problems or questions, somebody else has probably had the same problem before.

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