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Volunteer Reviews
Fulfilling Personal and Professional Journey
My volunteer experience in Ghana was incredibly well-organized, starting from the moment I landed and received messages and a missed call from the waiting driver. This immediate support set a positive tone, ensuring a smooth transition into the program. The facilities at the children’s home, especially the modern school building, impressed me greatly, reflecting the commitment to providing a happy environment for the children.
Throughout my stay, I focused on building strong relationships, educating, and counselling both children and patients, which provided invaluable on-the-job experience and knowledge. Engaging with the children was particularly rewarding; they were friendly and eager to learn, making our mental health sessions and interactive games both enjoyable and impactful.
At the Psychiatric Hospital and local clinics, I participated in community outreach efforts, discussing important issues like mental illness and postnatal depression with local communities. Witnessing counselling sessions firsthand allowed me to apply my academic knowledge practically, offering insights and contributing to patient care. Overall, this experience not only enhanced my career prospects in psychology but also left a lasting impression as a deeply fulfilling personal and professional journey.
Throughout my stay, I focused on building strong relationships, educating, and counselling both children and patients, which provided invaluable on-the-job experience and knowledge. Engaging with the children was particularly rewarding; they were friendly and eager to learn, making our mental health sessions and interactive games both enjoyable and impactful.
At the Psychiatric Hospital and local clinics, I participated in community outreach efforts, discussing important issues like mental illness and postnatal depression with local communities. Witnessing counselling sessions firsthand allowed me to apply my academic knowledge practically, offering insights and contributing to patient care. Overall, this experience not only enhanced my career prospects in psychology but also left a lasting impression as a deeply fulfilling personal and professional journey.
Brandon Anderson
De Montfort University
February 2024
Combining Travel and Practical Work Experience
My time volunteering in Ghana was deeply meaningful, particularly the time spent working with children and at the Psychiatric Hospital. One of my favourite parts of the program was working with the children, where I enjoyed giving presentations and encouraging participation. The 1-on-1 sessions with the children helped them feel comfortable opening up about their past and discussing their feelings.
At the Psychiatric Hospital, I participated in counselling sessions, learning a lot from the psychologists and patients. It was gratifying to hear that the advice I suggested was used and found helpful. Joining the community outreach team, especially when visiting the local secondary school, was another highlight. Despite initial nerves, I provided a safe space for the children to open up and seek advice.
Working with Alex in the local health clinic was valuable as well. Although it was slow at times, Alex gave us assignments on different psychological disorders, which helped refresh my knowledge and prepared me for practical work later. My time at the Psychiatric Hospital stood out the most, particularly being involved in counselling sessions and helping a counsellor with patients. This experience built my confidence and provided invaluable hands-on experience in a psychiatric hospital, which is difficult to gain elsewhere.
Overall, this placement offered unique and valuable experiences, combining travel and practical work. I encourage others to participate, as it is a great opportunity to gain clinical experience and make a meaningful impact.
At the Psychiatric Hospital, I participated in counselling sessions, learning a lot from the psychologists and patients. It was gratifying to hear that the advice I suggested was used and found helpful. Joining the community outreach team, especially when visiting the local secondary school, was another highlight. Despite initial nerves, I provided a safe space for the children to open up and seek advice.
Working with Alex in the local health clinic was valuable as well. Although it was slow at times, Alex gave us assignments on different psychological disorders, which helped refresh my knowledge and prepared me for practical work later. My time at the Psychiatric Hospital stood out the most, particularly being involved in counselling sessions and helping a counsellor with patients. This experience built my confidence and provided invaluable hands-on experience in a psychiatric hospital, which is difficult to gain elsewhere.
Overall, this placement offered unique and valuable experiences, combining travel and practical work. I encourage others to participate, as it is a great opportunity to gain clinical experience and make a meaningful impact.
Ciara O’Neal
Durham University
February 2024
Enhanced my Practical Skills as a Psychologist
My volunteer experience in Ghana was profoundly impactful, particularly the time spent working at the local hospitals and clinics, as well as the Psychiatric Hospital. At the local hospitals, I encountered a variety of medical issues, including a memorable case involving a woman who believed she was possessed. The fast-paced environment of the emergency ward required me to quickly adapt and provide therapeutic support on the spot, honing my ability to offer immediate psychological assistance under pressure.
At the Psychiatric Hospital, I participated in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, discussing the neurochemistry of addiction and recovery. Working with a clinical psychologist and two provisional psychologists, I gained insights into treating psychotic presentations like schizophrenia and drug addiction. This collaboration enriched my understanding of mental health treatment in a different cultural context.
Working with the children, I formed strong one-on-one relationships with them, conducting informal psychology sessions where I listened to their stories and explored their aspirations. Their resilience and inner peace, despite challenging backgrounds, were truly inspiring.
This experience exceeded my expectations and greatly enhanced my practical skills as a psychologist. The knowledge and insights gained will undoubtedly inform my future career. I encourage anyone interested in mental health and cultural exchange to join this program for a truly transformative experience.
At the Psychiatric Hospital, I participated in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, discussing the neurochemistry of addiction and recovery. Working with a clinical psychologist and two provisional psychologists, I gained insights into treating psychotic presentations like schizophrenia and drug addiction. This collaboration enriched my understanding of mental health treatment in a different cultural context.
Working with the children, I formed strong one-on-one relationships with them, conducting informal psychology sessions where I listened to their stories and explored their aspirations. Their resilience and inner peace, despite challenging backgrounds, were truly inspiring.
This experience exceeded my expectations and greatly enhanced my practical skills as a psychologist. The knowledge and insights gained will undoubtedly inform my future career. I encourage anyone interested in mental health and cultural exchange to join this program for a truly transformative experience.
Dylan Desai-Rogers
Professional Psychologist
January 2024
Thinking like a ‘Clinician’ in India
I worked in the deaddiction centre of the hospital in Jaipur, dealing with substance-addicted patients. There was lots of reading and the main work was learning how to conduct ‘History Taking’ and ‘Mental Status Examinations’ on patients. I got the opportunity to Interact with patients struggling with substance issues and see what it is like to spend time in a clinical ward in a setting like this, learning how mental healthcare operates in India.
Reema got me to think like a clinician and makes sure you learn. I am not here to be a patient’s friend, so the language you use and the interactions you have with patients are important. You need a certain ‘clinician’ brain to put on when working. For what I will now do in my postgraduate almost everything I was taught and told to read will be very relevant, particularly the readings on DSM/ICD. I felt like I learnt the practicals and basics of what being a clinician in this context looks like and it is going to direct so much of my working future now. It was an invaluable experience.
For my soul spending 5 weeks with the family and the charity, trying my best to see how that works, and immersing myself as much as I can, will all be the most life-changing to me as a person. The time with the children was just joy, they were all lovely and happy. They want to talk to you and interact. There is a lot of smiling. Smile at everyone and they’re always smiling at you.
Reema got me to think like a clinician and makes sure you learn. I am not here to be a patient’s friend, so the language you use and the interactions you have with patients are important. You need a certain ‘clinician’ brain to put on when working. For what I will now do in my postgraduate almost everything I was taught and told to read will be very relevant, particularly the readings on DSM/ICD. I felt like I learnt the practicals and basics of what being a clinician in this context looks like and it is going to direct so much of my working future now. It was an invaluable experience.
For my soul spending 5 weeks with the family and the charity, trying my best to see how that works, and immersing myself as much as I can, will all be the most life-changing to me as a person. The time with the children was just joy, they were all lovely and happy. They want to talk to you and interact. There is a lot of smiling. Smile at everyone and they’re always smiling at you.
Ben Cattley
University of Northampton
February 2024
This Experience Helped me be More Confident
I feel like this placement has helped with my studies and future career as I’ve learned about the court processes when dealing with abused children and how to work with children safely. I went to courts to see what the process was like for children who had been sexually abused, I learned how to do court prep and how to safely interview children without them feeling upset/worried.
I had the opportunity to learn about cases where people had sexually abused children and I went to a commission of inquiries for a hotel fire and wrote notes about what the professionals, fire department and other witnesses in the court said. I also helped with some community outreach projects and organised recycled shoes and stationery for donation.
This was a life-changing experience and being with the children, seeing their positive attitudes and learning about their lives and the work that goes on to support them was incredible. I would recommend this programme as it’s an experience that helped me be more confident to travel, meet new people, work in a different environment and deal with vulnerable and sensitive situations.
I had the opportunity to learn about cases where people had sexually abused children and I went to a commission of inquiries for a hotel fire and wrote notes about what the professionals, fire department and other witnesses in the court said. I also helped with some community outreach projects and organised recycled shoes and stationery for donation.
This was a life-changing experience and being with the children, seeing their positive attitudes and learning about their lives and the work that goes on to support them was incredible. I would recommend this programme as it’s an experience that helped me be more confident to travel, meet new people, work in a different environment and deal with vulnerable and sensitive situations.
Rachel Hunter
Nottingham Trent University
January 2024
Helped me Recognize my Future Aspirations
The placement has been instrumental in helping me recognize my future aspirations. I’ve come to realize that I seek a profession with more movement and variability. This experience has been incredibly informative, and I genuinely believe I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and insights from the overall immersion in the placement.
I found immense joy in forming connections with the children, engaging in counselling sessions, and playing games with them. While it took some time for certain children to open up, after a few days, it felt as though I had known them for an extended period. This familiarity made saying goodbye after spending an extended period with them particularly challenging.
I gained a substantial amount of knowledge from Alex at the local hospital. We dedicated significant time to preparing various health talks, delving into topics such as suicide, substance abuse, work-related stress, and stress management. Additionally, we had the valuable opportunity to meet with patients and discuss their case files. The most enlightening aspect of my experience was collaborating with the nurse at the Psychiatric Hospital. They took the time to meticulously explain each step involved in patient care, including the intake and discharge processes. Additionally, they provided insights into the daily routines of patients who spent their entire day in the ward.
I found immense joy in forming connections with the children, engaging in counselling sessions, and playing games with them. While it took some time for certain children to open up, after a few days, it felt as though I had known them for an extended period. This familiarity made saying goodbye after spending an extended period with them particularly challenging.
I gained a substantial amount of knowledge from Alex at the local hospital. We dedicated significant time to preparing various health talks, delving into topics such as suicide, substance abuse, work-related stress, and stress management. Additionally, we had the valuable opportunity to meet with patients and discuss their case files. The most enlightening aspect of my experience was collaborating with the nurse at the Psychiatric Hospital. They took the time to meticulously explain each step involved in patient care, including the intake and discharge processes. Additionally, they provided insights into the daily routines of patients who spent their entire day in the ward.
Pia Hampel
Maastricht University
January 2024
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