On the 5th May 2018, I will be completing a Skydive at Langar airfield to fundraise for my voluntary 1-week Clinical and Ancient Psychology programme in India, and my 5-week Mental Health Placement in Sri Lanka with SLV Global.

I am currently studying Psychology (with Neuroscience & Neuroimaging) at the University of York. To support my studies I am trying to obtain as much practical experience as I can. I spent last summer on a research placement at the University of Lincoln to enhance my skills within a laboratory environment. This summer I want to gain more hands-on experience helping to treat individuals who suffer from mental illness.

SLV Global was founded as an organisation in 2010, when 2 psychology students made the decision to put their degrees to good use and journeyed to Sri Lanka, where the resources for those living with mental illness were scarce. Together with a local youth worker they created SLV Global, and the opportunity for people like myself to gain invaluable experience helping individuals with debilitating mental health issues was created. Whilst in Sri Lanka I will be working alongside local psychiatric professionals to increase my knowledge and enhance my skill set within mental health treatment, whilst being immersed in a diverse culture.

The first week of my placement will be spent in India, which is SLV Global's newest programme, facilitated by local clinical psychologists and will give me the opportunity to delve into the ways that ancient Eastern traditions like meditation can complement modern clinical psychology to promote positive mental health.

I need to raise a total of £3000 to fund the placement. 5-15% of my placement fees are donated directly to the SLV Global Mental Health fund which supports grassroots organisations on the ground in the countries where they work. This contributes to the work of promoting positive mental health within the local community, and beyond, long after my placement concludes.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated.