Mental Health Volunteering, Sri Lanka

Harry Dobson Start Date: Nov 13, 2016 - End Date: Aug 12, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: Harry Dobson Start Date: Nov 13, 2016 - End Date: Aug 12, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
My name is Harry Dobson, and I have a real passion for psychology. In order for me to make a difference in the mental health world and become a clinical psychologist, I have to do a masters degree in clinical psychology, get experience as an assistant psychologist at an NHS trust, and have a DClinPsy doctorate. These things are all incredibly competitive and for my applications to these three things to be competitive I am going to Sri Lanka to volunteer in a mental health facility for five weeks. 

The mental health facilities in Sri Lanka are heavily under resourced and the native staff in these facilities are constantly under pressure to do a good job, with resources they do not have. By me volunteering I will be playing a vital role in the upkeep of these facilities, whilst gaining valuable insight into a clinical environment. I will be working with adults and children with special needs, physical and mental, and leading english classes with underpriveledged children and adults. Moreover, I will be working in a psychiatric hospital with people who have a variety of clinical disorders.

I chose Sri Lanka to volunteer because the cultural difference from the western world is significantly vast, and it will allow me to experience a different world of how clinical disorders are developed. This experience will be incredibly eye-opening and enriching, and I know I will be able to make a difference in the Sri Lankan community as well.
  • Sri Lanka