Royal College of Psychiatrists Fundraising Trek in Kerala, India,  26 Jan - 5 Feb 2009

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the leading authority on psychiatry and mental health in the UK and Ireland. As members of the College, we are taking part in this special fund raising trek, to support work amongst developing countries.

The College's volunteer programme, begun in 2004, helps psychiatrists travel to developing countries to offer their help and support as volunteers.

The College believes the effects of sending money to developing countries is short lived and less successful than helping people acquire the skills they need to transform their lives. This can only be achieved by the passion and professionalism of College volunteers willing to share their skills and experience. We need funds in order to extend and develop this overseas volunteer programme.

For example, recently the College held a training event for Iraqi psychiatrists in northern Iraq. Following this, an internet-based Continuing Professional Development programme was set up, providing training and support for Iraq’s few remaining psychiatrists, such as how to manage psychological trauma due to living in a war zone. A young volunteer psychiatrist is spending a year in Malawi providing valuable assistance to the local hospital. Further examples of the College’s work may be found on the website, www.rcpsych.ac.uk/college/boardofinternationalaffairs

This sponsored trek will raise funds for this much needed work. Details of the trek are on www.rcpsych.ac.uk/college/fundraising.aspx

Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated! You can give online at http://www.justgiving.com/daleandcarolamathers

If you are outside the UK, this website takes donations in other currencies if you use a credit card.  Thank you very much for supporting this venture,

Carola and Dale