I first went to Sri Lanka in January 2016 to begin my work as a volunteer, Teaching the following courses, it was so well evaluated they asked me to return.

Peer Support:
Peer Support is when person with a Mental Illness helps support another person with Mental illness. We have tremendous empathy and understanding for each other, and truly know what it feels like, we help the person gain confidence, use self-help techniques and develop self-awareness and coping strategies to keep well.

Recovery College:
Recovery College is not a school or university, it is an educational approach where people with mental illness partner professionals to co-produce and deliver a course to people with mental illness.

Some of the courses are Coping with Bipolar, Coping with Anxiety, Coping with Psychosis, Overcoming Trauma, Overcoming Depression, Resilience, Mindfulness, Happiness/Positive Thinking, Self Esteem, Recovery and Wellbeing

Many of the people of Sri Lanka have suffered severe mental illness due to many years of Civil War followed by the Tsunami. It has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

The Sri Lankan’s have limited health care resources for people suffering with mental illnesses and I would like to help the people of Sri Lanka develop ways to support each other through Recovery College and Peer Support, both of which have been tried and tested and are highly regarded across the UK.

I have had my own journey with Mental Illness. I was first diagnosed as having Bipolar Affective Disorder 36 years ago and spent the next 20 years in and out of Hospitals.

I have trained extensively for both Recovery College and Peer Support and these have transformed my life. I have not been in hospital for the last 6 years.

I have found it an honour and a privilege to be involved in this work. I feel passionate about the opportunity to help develop these highly successful, truly life changing and inspiring courses, giving hope to many in Sri Lanka.