On the 13th August 2018 I will be venturing to Sri Lanka for 5 weeks to engage in a mental health placement with SLV global. SLV global are a charity which aim to promote valuable services and resources in countries where support for those with mental illness is scarce and stigma is high. This is implemented through running workshops to the local community and working alongside professionals.

Still recovering from a 25-year civil war, and with the wounds from the 2004 tsunami not yet healed, Sri Lanka's population is in need of more psychological support than current resources can provide. Resources for mental health services in Sri Lanka are somewhat limited with only a few formally trained mental health workers and units in place. With Neuropsychiatric disorders estimated to contribute to 11.5% (2.24509406 individuals) of the global burden of disease in Sri Lanka this is an issue that seriously needs addressing.

The placement is for 5 weeks based in Sri Lanka and I will be volunteering on be half of SLV global, working along side local professionals in a number of psychiatric facilities and community initiatives. I will be using my well developed psychological skills as well as engaging in training with the aim to help reduce stigma placed on mental illness, improve resources and increase overall mental well-being of suffering individuals. As well as this, i will be running workshops to assist individuals with special needs who also suffer from societal stigmatization.

The money raised and donated will fund the overall costs of SLV global and will go to the host family and community we will be staying with. It shall also enable the continuation of sending volunteers to countries where mental health services are lacking. Please donate to this great cause! I would really appreciate any donations made. :)

Click here for SLV Globals Website