Parachute for YouthNet FAQs
How old? How much? What's involved? Where and how can I sign up? Find out what's involved in parachuting for YouthNet here.
1. How much do I need to raise?
2. How do I raise my sponsorship?
4. What does the jump involve?
5. Are there any restrictions?
6. What do I do next and how do I book my place?
You will need to raise a minimum of £395. YouthNet will receive at least £135 of your minimum sponsorship. The rest of the sponsor fee pays for your jump and your training. You will need to provide your funds in three stages:
· Registration −You will need to put down a deposit of £70 when you register to reserve your place with Skyline. We can give you this back once you've collected over £100 in sponsorship (cash, cheques or online) or you can choose to donate it towards your £395 fundraising target
· One week prior to your jump − You will need to have raised and sent at least £285 of your minimum £395 fundraising target to YouthNet. This covers the £180 we need to pay the parachute centre, the deposit you've already paid to Skyline (via the online reservation form) and a £35 donation to YouthNet
· One month after you jump − The deadline for receiving the rest of your minimum fundraising target (the remaining £100) and anything else you've been able to raise
But why stop there? Anything raised above the £395 minimum sponsor fee also goes directly to supporting YouthNet.
First things first − don't be put off by the amount! You'll be amazed at how quickly your fundraising total builds once you get the ball rolling. Here are some essential fundraising tips to get you started:
· Set up your own fundraising page on Justgiving to collect secure online sponsorship pledges and donations
· Email a friend and ask them to make a large first donation – it will encourage others to match their amount!
· Email all your work and personal contacts, asking them to support you
· Add a link to your Justgiving page on your email signature
· Add a Justgiving widget to your Facebook profile.
· Print off a sponsor form (hyperlink to PDF) and take it everywhere you go: college, university, work, gym and clubs
· Send a press release or letter to your local paper, or, if you have a work newsletter, make sure they run a piece about your parachute jump asking people to support you
· Ask your employer if they have a 'matched pledge' scheme – many organisations match money raised by employees
· Organise an event to help raise your sponsorship – for example, a 'dress down' day.
You can find plenty of other fundraising ideas and tips on the YouthNet and Justgiving websites.
Gift Aid
If those sponsoring you are UK tax payers, their support can qualify for Gift Aid. This means that YouthNet can claim back the tax they've already paid on their sponsorship from the government − at no cost or effort to them.
In simple terms this means that for every £100 of sponsorship you raise from UK tax payers, YouthNet will actually receive £128. Just get them to tick the box on your fundraising page or sponsor form (we will need to receive your sponsor form when you send us your money − so don't lose it) and we'll do the rest.
There are over 20 British Parachute Association approved centres across the UK and when you register, you have the opportunity to pick your preferred dates. Take a look at the map of jump locations.
Once we have received your reservation form, Skyline will do their best to place you at your nearest available centre − but if this isn't possible we will contact you to discuss the alternatives.
The jump is organised in partnership with leading events specialists Skyline. Technically it is called a 'Tandem Skydive'. It is a Skydive because you will be freefalling through the air (without the parachute deployed) for several thousand feet; it is in tandem because you will be harnessed to a professional parachute instructor at all times throughout the descent (as shown in the picture). The training takes just one day – the day you jump − and your instructor will be in control of your landing.
Alternative jumps available:
· 'Static line square jump' – The jump is in two parts. On the first day you will undergo a minimum of six hours training on all aspects of the jump. On the following day you will perform the jump solo from up to 3,000 feet
· 'Accelerated freefall solo jump' – Learning to skydive solo is a big challenge and you will start with a full day's training including practical and classroom sessions covering all areas of making a solo skydive from 10,000 feet
On the second you will jump solo. Whilst you will skydive solo (ie with nobody attached to you) your two instructors will jump with you and be by your side until approximately 5,000 feet when you pull your parachute canopy.
We advise you to take a look at the full Terms and conditions.
Age
To qualify you need to be aged 16 or over.
Weight
You need to be under 15 stone (95kgs) in weight. A few airfields have a slightly lower weight restriction − we'll let you know if you're affected once we receive your reservation form and know where your closest centre is. Alternatively, you can contact us with your address and we'll find out for you.
Fitness
You do not need to fulfil specific fitness requirements. The principal medical restrictions are: diabetes; epilepsy; fits; recurrent blackouts; heart or lung disease; mental illness and some cases of asthma. Pre-existing physical conditions will not necessarily stop you from taking part, but please let us know in advance as this may affect the location of your jump.
You will be required to sign a medical form before your jump declaring your fitness to take part. This will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation form but is also available on request. Those under the age of 18 will need the medical form signed by a parent or guardian while anyone aged 40 and over will need it signed by their doctor.
Insurance
You will be automatically covered for up to £2,000,000 third party insurance via Skyline, but this will not cover you for personal injury. Skyline does advise you take out personal insurance, and they do run their own personal insurance scheme − it costs £20. Further information can be found in the Terms and conditions and registration form. Alternatively, you can arrange separate cover.
Simply complete the registration form. After that all you have to do is start fundraising and look forward to making an exhilarating tandem parachute jump from two miles up!
Contact us or call the Development Team on 020 7250 5700.