Bali Mental Health Volunteering - helping those in need ❤️

Georgia Sillibourne Start Date: Jan 5, 2020 - End Date: May 3, 2020
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Bali, Indonesia

My Travel Story

by: Georgia Sillibourne Start Date: Jan 5, 2020 - End Date: May 3, 2020
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Volunteer Trip
Hello, my name is Georgia and I have recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have always had a deep passion for helping others - the affect one can have on another is extremely valuable, and deeply meaningful work to me. That is why I am so humbled to announce that in May 2020, I will be embarking on a mission to Bali to undertake a 3 month voluntary Mental Health Placement abroad with SLV – an organisation that works to help disadvantaged individuals suffering from mental health problems in Bali, Sri Lanka and India. At the same time, it allows people like me to gain invaluable experience and develop skills in the clinical field of psychology. 

In Indonesia, only 3% of the national budget goes towards health services, and of that 3%, only 1% goes towards mental health. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of psychologists in contrast to those suffering, and 7 out of 34 provinces are without hospitals and programmes… thus, help is sorely needed! 

In Bali, I will be working with individuals with special needs and teaching English in the community to children aged 3-12 and young adults aged 17-25. I will be running all project activities, working in psychiatric hospitals and taking responsibility for using my skills to work in under-resourced centres. I will be working 5 days a week living like a local, travelling on local transport and staying with a Balinese family. Furthermore, I have been offered a role as peer mentor, meaning I will also be working as a pastoral support person for all other volunteers. 

I am really looking forward to working in a completely new culture in a challenging environment and SLV’s focus on ethical and sustainable projects is something that really stood out to me about them. The fact that this is a work-experience placement and not a holiday is a really important aspect of why I chose to apply to volunteer with them. 

My full placement costs NZ$3,347.01 and these funds go towards in-country support, daily transport to projects, accomodation, food, training and workshops. I am currently working two jobs to save money for this trip. Thank you so much for anything given, any donation whether it be big or small is welcomed! I’m already so grateful for this opportunity, and having support from you will make such a difference to me, and the lives of others.

  • Bali, Indonesia

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