Help me to support mental health clinics in Sri Lanka

Solene Lomax Start Date: Feb 4, 2018 - End Date: Jun 3, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: Solene Lomax Start Date: Feb 4, 2018 - End Date: Jun 3, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
I have some exciting yet nerve-racking favour to ask those of you who are willing. I’ll be setting off to Sri Lanka for 5 weeks in June, I’ve been lucky enough to be offered an advance psychology placement where I’ll be working as a volunteer for SLV Global. Working with SLV Global will provide psychology students and graduates, such as myself, the opportunity to gain invaluable field experience within the mental health sector, which is something that I'm very passionate about. Family and friends know that topics, issues and campaigns regarding mental health has always been of personal importance to me. 

I’ve chosen Sri Lanka in order to strive against the negative stigma and misunderstanding about mental illnesses. SLV is a training and supporting organisation, who’ll be working alongside Samutthana which is a London-based resource centre for trauma and mental health. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country however it still remains fragile from a psychosocial perspective, our aim is to help and support those who are affected. For instance, tsunami survivors and victims impacted by the civil-conflict that only ended less than a decade ago. During my 5 weeks, each week I’ll be working +40 hours where 60% of my time will be dedicated to running workshops and activities for the patients by using sensory, music and creative therapies. I will be assigned to multiple institutions at various wards, where I will be fortunate enough to support and experience working with patients, of all ages, of various mental issues and of special needs. The remaining 40% I’ll be teaching English to children and young adults.

I am an absolute travel-junkie, if that’s not been made aware of already, therefore most of you will know how grateful and excited I am to be given this opportunity. I’ll be off travelling, notably being part of an important and meaningful movement AND I even get to adopt my own Sri Lankan family! However for all of this to happen I need to fundraise a total of £1,300. All the money will be going to supporting the clinics, wards and funding all the workshops/projects we’ll be working on. Additionally part of the money will be going to ‘my can’t-wait and soon-to-be’ family whom will be taking care of me, my accommodation and food. So would be great if I could just thank them/contribute back.

I have attached a link to my EasyFundraising website as I would kindly ask everyone to check this out, especially to those who feel inspired and would like to contribute but don’t have the means to. EasyFundraising is simply an add-on website where you can get retailers to donate to my cause if you do your online shopping via my easyfundraising page AND there won’t be any additional charges for you….amazing!

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/solenelomax/

thanks
Solène

  • Sri Lanka

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