Imagine helping build the future of mental health in Sri Lanka. Working for 1-2 years together with Sri Lankan colleagues and some of the most marginalised service users in the world. Supporting more to recover, and fulfil their potential as active members of their families and communities.
Years of civil conflict and the Tsunami have taken their toll on mental health in Sri Lanka. Stigma against mental ill-health is strong. Until recently, services have been concentrated in the capital, and reliant on an institutional, medical model of care. Development charity VSO has been supporting the Sri Lankan government with skilled professionals to make the ambition to transform mental health services a reality. Change is happening - but it’s not easy. We urgently need more volunteers to maintain momentum and strengthen progress.
Right now we have three roles in Sri Lanka for experienced mental health OTs, psychiatric social workers or community psychiatric nurses to start in September 2008:
Mental Health Development Worker, Angoda Mental Hospital
You'll build the capacity of staff at Angoda Mental Hospital to develop care planning
Mental Health Development Worker, Meedumpitiya residential centre
You'll develop rehabilitation activities for women in-patients at Meedumpitiya residential centre
Mental Health Trainer, Angoda Mental Hospital
You'll improve the training programme for staff at Angoda Mental Hospital
Find job descriptions and more information on working in mental health in Sri Lanka here:
It’s challenging work - changing attitudes and practices, increasing the confidence and capability of colleagues, battling stigma, setting up sustainable systems. But you’ll find yourself working at a higher level than ever before, taking on new professional challenges and immersing yourself in Sri Lankan culture.
"VSO volunteers enjoy a unique position in Sri Lanka in so much as they are fully welcomed and integrated into their local communities. Because we live and work at a grass roots level, we are sharing everyday frustrations with our colleagues and neighbours. This has allowed us to develop much stronger relationships and we must now use these to offer as much support as we can."
Mental Health OT Hilary Colston
VSO provides accommodation, living allowance, health insurance and covers all costs, as well as comprehensive training and practical support. Public sector workers can now volunteer with their pensions paid:
If you want to be there in September, there’s no time to lose. Apply now so we can work with you on personal preparation and practical support.
Apply online:
Can I take my partner? Answers to your questions here:
Want to find out more? Please call us on 020 8780 7500
Pass the word on! Know someone who'd be great for these roles? Our work in Sri Lanka is long-term and we will have very similar roles available in early 2009.
Many thanks for your time: we hope to hear from you soon.
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