We know embarking on a transformative journey is an exciting yet big decision. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to feel confident and prepared for this incredible experience. From programme details and safety measures to what to pack and how we support you every step of the way, you’ll find answers to the most common questions right here.
Still have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Yes we can. Providing we have as much information as possible prior to departure, we can accommodate for all Leapers.
We provide 24/7 backup support - the founders have been arranging adventure travel since 1994, so are experienced with handling in-country situations. We provide professional, caring, qualified leaders, typically 1 leader per 10 leapers. These leaders are in-situ with the leapers throughout their programme and are directly on -hand night and day to deal with accidents and emergencies .
We have thorough, detailed risk assessments for all our programmes that comply with our membership to YOG, the Year Out Group and GYA, the Gap Year Association. We also have BS 8848, the British Standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside the UK.