A Mission Social Value Initiative
Empowering students with real-world safety knowledge
Our Purpose
For Schools: Gap Year Travel Safety
Ideal for young people planning solo travel after their A Levels
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Led by Mark Shelford, former Police and Crime Commissioner and military security expert, alongside Simon MacNeill-Ritchie, ex-British diplomat, these sessions are a blend of practical advice and global insight. We offer:
In-School Presentation – Travel safety session during Sixth Form hours
Evening Talk for Families – A joint briefing for students and parents
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Topics We Cover:
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Smart travel planning & destination choice
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Keeping documents and money secure
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Medical safety, insurance, and health prep Cultural awareness & crisis response
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Staying connected and supported abroad
Add-on: National Safety Cards – country-specific travel guides with local contacts, tips, and emergency resources.
For Universities: Placement Safety Abroad
Customised for university students preparing for international placements.
Our tailored presentations and individual safety planning packages help students prepare for challenges abroad—especially those who may be more vulnerable due to identity, health, or personal circumstances.
What We Offer:
Generic Presentations – Risk awareness, planning tools, and cultural insight
Individual Safety Plans *(optional)* – Personalised planning for safer, more inclusive experiences
Topics Include:
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Understanding workplace and cultural environments
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Dealing with discrimination and navigating bias
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Public transport and travel route planning
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Mental health and emergency response preparation
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Building support networks and local allies
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Add-on: Custom safety guides with destination-specific advice and emergency contacts.
What Schools, Students and Parents Are Saying About Us
“I thought it was great! It felt like it was really designed to communicate with us specifically – talks like this can often seem a bit 'preachy', but I didn’t get that feeling at all. The speakers balanced humour and information really well.”
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Sixth Form Student, King Edward’s School, Bath*
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“This was one of the best external talks of the year and felt applicable to everyone in that room whether they choose to travel in a gap year, during or after university.”**
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Alfie, Sixth Former, King Edward’s School
Feedback Highlights:
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✅ Fresh, practical advice
✅ Real-world anecdotes that connect
✅ More insightful than typical PSHCE talks
✅ Students felt seen, heard, and well-prepared
Constructive Insights We're Already Actioning:
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More real-life case studies
Clearer slide alignment during talks
Even pacing between speakers
Time for interactive Q&A and discussions
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Let’s Work Together
Are you a teacher, head of Sixth Form, or university faculty member responsible for safeguarding student travel? Let’s collaborate.
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Contact Us to Book a Session
At Mission Social Value, we believe that every young person should be able to explore the world confidently and safely. Whether you're a Sixth Former planning a gap year, or a university student heading abroad on placement, we deliver expert-led safety sessions designed to prepare you for travel risks, cultural challenges, and unexpected situations.
Backed by decades of experience in counter-terrorism, consular services, and crime prevention**, our sessions are engaging, practical, and tailored to the realities students face.