Mental Health Volunteering

A m Start Date: Sep 22, 2016 - End Date: Jan 21, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: A m Start Date: Sep 22, 2016 - End Date: Jan 21, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
In January 2017, I'll be taking part in a volunteer program in Sri Lanka. The program is run by a UK-based not-for-profit, SLV, who have been running similar programs in Sri Lanka since 2010. SLV have partnered with the National Youth Services Council and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development in Sri Lanka to create a joint program that best supports the needs of local Sri Lankans.

I'll be heading over as part of a team of student and professional psychologists. I will be in Sri Lanka for one month as part of this ongoing program; There have been several before us, and there will hopefully be many after us. 

We'll be taking part in the following things:
  • Assisting in local mental health facilities, such as psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and community outreach programs.
  • Teaching English to local children, teenagers and adults.
  • Facilitating programs in schools, residential centres and drop-in centres to support children and adults who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties or challenging behaviour. 
  • (Doing fun stuff too, like seeing a bit of the country on weekends.)

This program will give me the opportunity to give back with the knowledge that I have gained through my degree in psychology. I'm over reading textbooks; now I want to help. 
On a professional level, I'll gain invaluable cross-cultural experience in psychology. Our world is 'getting smaller'. Individuals with different cultural backgrounds live in immediate proximity to each other. Without an appreciation for our neighbours' differences, it becomes more difficult to empathise. Without empathy, how would we ever understand how to support each other?

It would be wonderful if you would support my participation in this program. While this page makes it super easy to give financial support, I would love your general support too (especially in the form of good-luck hugs and mosquito repellent)! :) 

If you are able, it would be awesome if you were to contribute towards my fundraising goal of $1000. This would go towards covering a portion of the expenses associated with my participation in this program (e.g. flights, accommodation, visa, program supplies, etc.). I'm pretty sure the minimum donation amount on this website is $10, so if you would like to contribute amounts from 5c to $9.95, I will appreciatively accept these in person (note: there is a hug tax on in-person donations...). 

If you really would live to give financial support, but you can't - don't even worry about it, friend :). I identify with you.

Thank you SO MUCH for your support, in whatever form it comes to me :)
  • Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka