21/11/2024
Hello!
My name is Kayla, and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Professional Psychology, set to graduate in December 2025. I’ve spent the past 8 years learning about mental health and the past 3 years supporting young people in my community. Mental health has always been a passion of mine, and after finishing my degree, I’m excited to have the opportunity to spend seven weeks in Ghana, volunteering with Vocational Impact’s Psychology and Mental Health Program. I’m excited to immerse myself in a new culture, gain hands-on experience, and bring these valuable lessons back to enhance my future practice and further support my local communities.
About the Program:
Organised by Vocational Impact, a registered NGO, this program offers structured, impactful volunteer placements while directly supporting local initiatives. By choosing to operate as a charity, Vocational Impact ensures that program fees are reinvested into the communities they serve. These funds help sustain vital mental health projects, empowering local organisations to continue their work long after volunteers (like myself) have left.
Who I’ll Be Helping:
In Ghana, I will be working alongside mental health professionals in communities to support both adults and children. These projects aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health, provide support and education to those in need. While the government has made efforts to improve mental healthcare services at all levels, significant gaps remain. According to the World Health Organization around 2% of Ghana's 2.3 million people living with mental health conditions receive mental health support or psychiatric treatment and support from health facilities.
What I’ll Be Doing:
Throughout my placement, I’ll engage in a range of impactful activities. I will,
• Gain Psychology Experience Working at Local Hospitals & Clinics: I’ll work alongside psychologists, assisting in counselling sessions and supporting patient case management.
• Help with Child Development & Well-Being: I’ll support local foundations by collaborating with the counsellors and care home management, deepening my knowledge of child welfare, safeguarding, and counselling support.
• Empowering Communities Through Outreach: Collaborate with the mental health teams and fellow volunteers to lead community projects to raise awareness about mental health disorders, well-being and available treatments and services.
Why I’m Doing It:
This journey is an important step in both my career and personal development. I’m doing this because I’m truly passionate about mental health and eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This opportunity will allow me to apply my knowledge while learning from a new culture and healthcare system. Through volunteering, I’ll help tackle mental health challenges in communities with limited resources, gain invaluable experience, and bring those insights back to enrich my future practice. After returning, I’ll begin my provisional internship year, applying what I’ve learned in Ghana to create a greater impact in the field. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the chance to grow both personally and professionally while giving back in a way that truly matters.
How can you help?
To make this possible, I’m asking for monetary donations (see gofundme linked) to help cover
• Program fees = $4380 (covers accommodation, meals, airport pick-up and drop-off, secure in-country transport, professional program development and 24/7 support during my stay).
• Flights to and from Ghana ~ $2700
If this initial target is met any additional donations will go towards my travel insurance while in Ghana, my visa application fees and the rest will go directly to Vocational Impact to be used in local initiatives in Ghana. Your support will not only help me reach Ghana but also directly benefit the local projects I’ll be working with.
Alternatively, you can make donations in the form of clothes, books, stationery (pens, colouring pencils etc.) and sweets - perhaps some Aussie ones!
Follow along to see any fundraising events, progress and to view my future journey in Ghana!
Thank you for considering my journey and any support you can provide is truly appreciated. Together, we can make a difference!
Kayla :)
