Nabila Dabeer, who was awarded a BA(Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology degree this summer, volunteered with SLV, a graduate-led organisation which focuses on providing opportunities for psychology students and graduates to gain practical experience within the mental health sector. SLV works mainly in Sri Lanka and this was the first project on the Indonesian island province.
Nabila and other volunteers from around the world ran therapeutic activity sessions in psychiatric facilities for individuals suffering from a range of mental health concerns. They also worked at government run schools and on social initiatives for children with disabilities, and taught English in the local community.
Nabila said: “Working with service users in a non-Western context has proven challenging, rewarding and above all – eye-opening. I loved every moment of my time from carrying out creative therapies, attending workshops on alternative non-western therapies, to spending the evening watching the sunset from Bali’s beautiful beaches.”
A spokesperson for SLV said: “The volunteers pushed themselves and really lived out of their comfort zones.
“It is largely due to the hard work and dedication of Nabila and the team that we will be returning to Indonesia next year to continue to run this mental health placement.”
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