Next summer I am hoping to go to Bali to offer support and therapy to individuals suffering from mental health issues in the country.

Bali in general does not have much in the way of support for people suffering from mental health, there is currently only one hospital for the whole of Bali in terms of this. Whereas in the UK and some other countries a person can access services based around CBT and therapies other than medication, people in Bali are simply put on this in order to 'treat' them and cure them. Then when they leave the hospital they are often left alone and end up returning in the future only to be put on further medication.

I am hoping to volunteer with SLV, a student led volunteering group who is working to raise awareness of mental health issues in Sri Lanka, Bali and India currently, taking students and graduates to these countries in order to support people. This entails preparing sessions for patients in the psychiatric hospital e.g art therapy and helping to teach local people different methods in dealing with mental health issues. So, supporting people in a different way to simply medicine.

I have an interest in mental health issues having suffered from them myself, something that I am not afraid to admit. And, in turn I am passionate about helping other people to get through these. Being able to support people who need it most and educate people about mental health in general is something I would love to do,

The money I raise will go towards being able to make a difference to people's lives, including children, adults and disabled individuals, all of whom should have access to vital services.

So please if you can support me at all in this work, please donate :)

Thanks!