Emergency Support for Volunteers
Your safety is our top priority. If you are in an emergency situation during your volunteer placement, follow the steps below.
Contact Local Emergency Services
Always contact local emergency services first. Dial 112 (international emergency number) or the local emergency number for the country you are in. For medical emergencies, go to the nearest hospital or clinic immediately.
Find emergency numbers by countryReport the Issue on Give Back Abroad
Log into your GBA dashboard and submit a report detailing the situation. This helps us take immediate action against the host and protect future volunteers.
Navigate to Dashboard → Reports or use the report button on any opportunity page.
Contact GBA Directly
Email us at info@givebackabroad.org with the subject line "URGENT: Emergency Support". Include your name, location, host organization, and a description of the situation.
What GBA Can Help With
- Finding alternative host organizations nearby
- Mediating disputes between you and your host
- Investigating and taking action against unsafe hosts
- Providing guidance on local resources and contacts
- Removing or suspending problematic host listings
- Connecting you with other volunteers in the area
What GBA Cannot Help With
- Legal matters or legal representation abroad
- Medical emergencies (contact local services first)
- Travel insurance claims or reimbursements
- Visa or immigration issues
- Financial disputes unrelated to the placement
- Replacing lost or stolen personal belongings
Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended
GBA strongly recommends that all volunteers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departing. Travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, emergency evacuations, and personal liability. This is not optional — it's essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Popular providers include World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz Travel Insurance. Check that your policy covers volunteer work in your destination country.
Need Immediate Help?
Don't hesitate to reach out. Your safety matters more than anything else.