Mental Health Volunteer Project in Fiji

Hi, my name is Melody; I'm a second-year social sciences student at the University of Lincoln, fundraising for my upcoming journey to participate in Think pacific's Fiji mental health project.

This is a month-long experience in which my team will partner with Fijian youth groups to facilitate the aims of leading Pacific mental health NGO.

While educating these rural communities on mental health, there will be the opportunity to be educated on Fiji's traditional skills, culture, and customs.

This project means so much to me as I hope it will support my upcoming career working within mental health organisations. In addition, the opportunity to do this in such an amazing culture, much different from my previous experience, is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

My main priority within my work has always been to make an individual difference. In the past, I have volunteered as a teaching assistant within the Doncaster Music Service and am currently in the process of working with SHINE, a Lincolnshire mental health charity.

I am also working with Night Light Cafes in Lincoln; a non-clinical preventative service to support the mental health crisis sector.

My goal before I complete my undergraduate in the next year or so is to learn as much as I can about the structure of these types of organisations, and do as much as I can to support those in need.

The funds I raise here will be used alongside grant funding to support my journey.