SLV is an organisation set up by psychology graduates for fellow undergrads and graduates to volunteer in Bali, Sri Lanka and India. As a psychology undergraduate student at the University of Birmingham, I struggled to find engaging and relevant work experience or volunteering opportunities until I came across SLV!

The placement I have been accepted onto is a 5 week mental health placement in Sri Lanka starting in August 2018. SLV provide psychological support and help to those in need, in a country still recovering from civil war and the 2004 tsunami, where current mental health resources are limited. Whilst in Sri Lanka I will be involved in eight different projects all within the local community. These include time spent in a psychiatric facility, youth teaching projects, special needs projects and also teaching English to young children.

I am incredibly excited to work with such an inspiring organisation and immerse myself into the local community and rich culture of Sri Lanka whilst working on innovative, intensive projects. Not only this, but the hands on experience will be incredibly valuable for my prospects of a career in developmental psychology, with a particular focus on mental health. However, the training and placement fees alone are £1300 and this doesn't include many other expenses including flights, travel money, visa, travel insurance etc... which is why I am aiming to fundraise as much as possible to contribute towards my volunteering placement. Despite the paradisiacal setting, I can assure you this is NOT a holiday!! I will be trained and then will be working full time for the 5 weeks I am away on various projects in Sri Lanka.

Even just a few pounds will be so helpful to me! For example, £3-5 will enable me to purchase materials to create musical instruments for children in schools or as a therapeutic tool for individuals living in the psychiatric facilities. The money I raise will therefore be going towards resources (as well as placement costs) to take out to Sri Lanka with me to enhance the experience and quality of life of the individuals I meet out there.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and I do hope you consider donating towards my cause. Every penny helps, so all and any donations are much appreciated! If you would like to know more about the wonderful organisation I am volunteering for, here's their website: https://slv.global/