PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
AT A GLANCE
HEAR FROM VOLUNTEERS
This programme is ideal for…
Programme Overview
The daily psychology placement is based at a local hospital in Jaipur. You will work with the mental health team under the supervision of the head of the unit to learn about mental health treatment, care and challenges in the Indian healthcare system. You can expect to observe consultations, medical administration, observations, assessments, diagnoses, counselling, medicine prescription and more. Volunteers will also learn about common conditions diagnosed including depression, psychosis, enuresis, epilepsy, alcoholism and dementia.
In the afternoons you will join the child development programme at our charity project supporting a holistic and integrated programme of education, tuition, workshops, well-being, arts and sports for children from vulnerable backgrounds. Here you will work with our counsellors and care home management to learn about child welfare, safeguarding and counselling support.
You will join a community-based project to spread awareness and address the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Using education, counselling and contact strategies to address these issues in rural and deprived communities. You will help a mobile bus clinic to successfully conduct services and support mental health in communities.
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About the Programme
The psychology and mental health volunteer placement is designed to give practical on-the-ground work experience. Volunteers will work at a local hospital whilst learning from healthcare professionals operating in different fields of mental health. As well as skills-based learning, volunteers will give back to the community by working with counsellors to support underprivileged children and assisting with community outreach projects to raise awareness about mental health, stigma and well-being.
Daily Schedule: You will be volunteering from Monday to Friday. In the mornings you will be at the hospital with the mental health unit. Although times and duties may vary day to day, you should expect to be at your placement for 5-7 hours, between 9 am and 3 pm. In the afternoons you will work on the child development programme between 4-6 pm. Below is an example itinerary for your placement in Ghana – please note this is just a guide.
Monday: AM – Local Hospital / PM – Child Development Programme
Tuesday: AM – Local Hospital / PM – Child Development Programme
Wednesday: AM – Community Outreach / PM – Child Development Programme
Thursday: AM – Local Hospital / PM – Child Development Programme
Friday: AM – Local Hospital / PM – Child Development Programme
Weekends and free time: The weekends are free time off from volunteering. This is a great opportunity to explore India and plan weekend trips and activities. You can read our Volunteer Travel Guide to India for great tips on places to visit and things to do. If you just want to relax, enjoy the nearby landmarks and explore Jaipurand you are welcome to stay at the volunteer accommodation over the weekend, but most volunteers will plan to go on trips together on the weekends. Our local team can help you organise weekend activities.
The daily psychology placement is based at a local hospital in Jaipur. You will work with the mental health team under the supervision of the head of the unit to learn about mental health treatment, care and challenges in the Indian healthcare system.
The child development placement is in the afternoons at our charity project where we run a holistic and integrated programme of education, tuition, workshops, well-being, arts and sports for children from vulnerable backgrounds. Here you will work with our counsellors and care home management to learn about child welfare, safeguarding and counselling support.
You will go on community outreach visits with a local mental health awareness initiative. Working with the mental health outreach team and other volunteers you will lead community projects with the intention of raising awareness about mental health illnesses and well-being, as well as sharing information about available treatments and services.
Mental Health care in urban areas like Jaipur faces challenges with access to services, stigma and resources. Psychology volunteers can make an impact by learning from healthcare professionals and mental health nurses, and supporting their daily work treating patients. Volunteers will assist social workers with underprivileged children and will also contribute to vital mental health education and awareness projects in the community. By developing an understanding of some of the challenges in the healthcare system, particularly in urban and rural areas, volunteers can make a meaningful difference.
You should expect to be working with restricted resources and be aware that there are cultural differences in the healthcare environment from what you’re used to. Volunteer duties will vary at each different institution and will depend on your experience and how long your program is. Initially, your tasks will be observational and administrative. The mentoring with the children and community outreach will be more hands-on.
At Vocational Impact, we are a charity organization committed to making a direct impact with your support. As a not-for-profit, we invest the donations from your fees back into the projects that our volunteers participate in through our partnership with Arms Around the Child. By joining our programs, you will have the opportunity to:
To join the Psychology & Mental Health placement in India, volunteers need to be Psychology students or studying similar subject-related fields (Social Work, Medical etc.). Qualified healthcare professionals or volunteers with previous healthcare experience are also eligible to take part.
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this placement. Ideally, volunteers will have a foundational knowledge of psychology theory and a passion for mental health. Importantly, all applicants should show a strong commitment to learning, a desire to develop and grow, the ability to work in a team and have a positive approach to helping people.
Volunteers from all over the world are welcome to join this programme.
*Please enquire about our heritage bursary if you have ancestral roots in the country you want to volunteer in.
All our projects are founded, managed and developed by locals. We provide essential funding to support community programs, development projects, running costs, local salaries and sustainability. We work with partner organisations that are specialists in the areas they operate. Our partner organisations are selected because of the important work they are doing and they are run by impressive humanitarians and professionals in their fields.
In the Psychology and Mental Health programme, your daily placement will be based at the local hospital. The hospital serves the local communities’ healthcare needs and has passionate and dedicated staff. Due to limited resources and cultural attitudes towards mental health, there is a need for volunteer support. The mental health team is committed to a cultural exchange of ideas and approaches, sharing professional insight and experience with volunteers, and working on community outreach projects together that raise awareness about well-being and access to services.
Volunteers will also help at our foundation in India which provides holistic care for children suffering from HIV/AIDS. The foundation’s goal is to give children the best opportunities for the future by providing an integrated programme of housing, education, healthcare, nutrition, sports and arts, as well as a focus on counselling, mentoring and well-being.
Vocational Impact operates under UK registered charity, Arms Around the Child. Our core mission is to offer ethical volunteer abroad programmes that provide international skills exchange, career development, work experience, and practical support to international NGOs, and to donate directly towards projects that volunteers work with.
When you think of India, do you imagine vivid colours, diversity, lots of festivals, and incredible architecture? It’s all of this and so much more. We cannot deny it, India should be on everyone’s bucket list, and the opportunity to live with a local, like a local and make friends with everyone you meet cannot be missed. Fall in love with India with Vocational Impact as your guide.
Our project is located in Jaipur, well known as the “Pink City” of India. A vibrant urban city steeped in history and traditional Indian culture. In recent years India has benefited from fast-paced development but there is still extreme inequality. Major problems include inadequate nutrition, poor health and lack of access to services and care.
Volunteers can really make an impact with this Urban city placement. By helping local initiatives and organizations in Jaipur you can make a big difference reaching poorer areas of the city and more rural communities in need of support. Urban life gives you the chance to explore the historic sites and landmarks Jaipur has to offer and learn about the traditional culture of India.
In Jaipur, you can live like a local whilst having easy access to the rich experiences India has to offer. Jaipur is part of India’s Golden Triangle, one of the most popular travel routes in the subcontinent. Covering the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and hitting major world-famous landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, this golden triangle shows the beauty, diversity, and culture of India.
Accommodation
During the course of your placement, you will stay with Smriti at her lovely home located in the suburbs of Jaipur. You will therefore live like a local Indian. The accommodation is of very high quality by local standards and has running water, hot showers, and electricity. There is a large and well-maintained forecourt, well-sized bedrooms and living spaces, and the house is modern, clean and comfortable.
The property is well protected and secure, and your host family will make you feel welcome, safe and comfortable, in traditional Indian style welcoming you into their home and family. You will have staff that will cook and clean for you, and there are basic amenities for you to use.
The house can host up to 4 volunteers at one time. There are separate rooms so you will have your own space. There is a communal kitchen, supplied with basics: fridge, freezer, kettle and hob. Pillows and sheets are provided, however, it is recommended that you bring your own towels. You can only drink bottled water, which will be provided for you.
There is no Wi-Fi at the home, however, you can buy a local SIM card with data (your phone needs to be unlocked) to stay connected. The VI team in-country will help you purchase a local SIM Card.
Jaipur is a vibrant city where you can feel safe to explore and will be welcomed and made to feel at home by the locals. During your free time, you can explore the bustling bazaars and markets, visit the many temples, try some delicious local cuisine and visit the museums and landmarks.
Meals
Our host family Smriti and her husband will ensure you get an authentic Indian experience and will provide you with tasty traditional Indian food. You will be provided with three meals per day cooked on-site at the accommodation. This is your chance to experience local, authentic and traditional Indian food. Here is an example of meals served:
Breakfast: Cornflakes, Egg, Toast, Fruits, Poha, Oats, Coffee, Tea, Milk etc.
Lunch/ Dinners: Dal, Vegetables, Rice, Chapati, Currys and Chicken.
Meals can be made Vegetarian and Vegan dishes can be provided upon request. Our team will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements.
We aim to begin programmes on the first Monday of each month. Once you register for the programme we work closely with all volunteers to map your dates together. Volunteers will need to arrive one or two days before orientation.
After you have registered for the programme you will need to book flights to arrive at Jaipur International. We recommend flying to Delhi/ Mumbai and transferring to Jaipur. Upon arrival in India, you will be met at the airport by one of our volunteer coordinators. We will provide you with a Vocational Impact T-shirt which makes identification easy. Our team will then transport you to the homestay accommodation to meet your hosts.
Orientation is hosted by our local team where you will receive an introduction to your programme. This will cover information about India, the culture and customs, expectations, safety, staff members, organisational partners, and an overview of the placement itinerary.
Depending on when you arrive you will get a guided tour of Jaipur with our volunteer coordinator a day before the programme begins. This gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the local areas, landmarks, markets, city centre, some hang out spots and bars etc.
On your final day of the programme, usually a Friday evening we will host a leaving party for you and the other volunteers also departing to thank you and say farewell to all the friends you’ve made and the people you’ve worked with.
✔︎ 30 + hours of cross-cultural training
✔︎ 24/7 international support
✔︎ Weekends off for travel opportunities
After Care:
✔︎ Certificate of Learning (upon request)
✔︎ Employment opportunities. Join our team!
✔︎ Become a VI Ambassador
✔︎ Join the Vocational Impact alumni community
✔︎ We can provide you with Job references
Registration Fee: In addition to the programme fee there is a £265 registration fee to secure your place on the programme. This registration fee includes: Support Before you Travel ✔︎ Tailored placements to match your interests, career development goals or university subject
✔︎ Pre-departure support with paperwork
✔︎ Support with flights + insurance & visa advice
✔︎ Unlimited telephone and email support
✔︎ Fundraising guides
✔︎ Volunteer essential information guide
✔︎ Packing lists
✔︎ 100% financial protection + flexible booking and start dates
We claim GiftAID on your donation fees (UK only), which means we can donate more directly towards the projects you will stay with. Vocational Impact are governed by the UK Charity Commission and we are a not-for-profit operation. We have been awarded ‘Ethical Travel Partner’ at many UK universities because of our unique model.
Unlike other companies in the field, Vocational Impact is a charity organisation and operates under UK registered charity, Arms Around the Child. Your programme fees go towards providing you a safe, organised and structured volunteer placement and is reinvested directly back into our project partners in Africa and India.
What’s Not Included: ✗ Flights
✗ Tourist Visa (if applicable)
✗ Travel Insurance
✗ Spending Money
✗ Vaccinations
✗ Police check/DBS
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