Mental Health Volunteer

In August I will be travelling to Sri Lanka for two weeks on a mental health programme. According to the World's Health Organisation, suicide rates in Sri Lanka are amongst the highest globally, however, the country finds it challenging to provide the right care to those that need help. The Non-Government Organisation – ‘The National Council for Mental Health’ find it difficult treating patients as there is a shortage of essential medicines in clinics. Doctors are unable to spend valuable time with each patient as there is only one Mental Health Officer per 70,000 people.

My time in Sri Lanka will be mainly spent at a local hospital, I will be shadowing and observing mental health doctors during consultation periods. The patients I will meet will have varying forms of mental illnesses. During my time at the hospital I will be attending seminars and lectures to increase my knowledge in the psychology field.

When I am not at the hospital, I will be working with and providing care and attention for mentally disabled children in a government school. The aim is to help support creative therapy amongst children by preparing fun engaging activities and games such as arts and crafts.

With the hands on experience and the opportunity to learn in a different environment, I hope I will gain a deeper knowledge of psychology which will help me in my degree and will later help me to become a better psychologist.

In order to go I have to raise nearly 1,300 pound. I have been working part time throughout completing my first year in university and will mainly be paying this off myself. However, I need a little help with raising some of the costs for vaccinations and flights etc. Any donation, no matter how small would really help to contribute to my funds.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!