My name is Shelley Ramsay and I’m a third-year Occupational Therapy student with a deep passion for helping others live meaningful, empowered lives – no matter their circumstances. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, juggling full-time work and study, driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

I currently work two jobs: One supporting adults in the community with severe and enduring mental health challenges, and another working with children who are looked after. These roles have shaped my understanding of resilience, empathy, and the importance of therapeutic, person-centred care – and they continue to inspire my development as a future OT.

I’ve now been offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to volunteer for 10 weeks with Inspire Foundation in Malta – a non-profit organisation (www.inspire.org.mt) that supports children and adults with a range of mental and physical disabilities. Inspire is known for its forward-thinking, inclusive approaches, working to remove barriers and promote meaningful participation for all.

This learning opportunity is completely self-funded, and I’m reaching out for sponsorship or donations to help me get there. The experience will not only give me hands-on learning in a diverse and inspiring setting, but it will also allow me to bring fresh insight, compassion, and skills back to the UK – to the communities I serve now, and in my future as a qualified OT.

Volunteering with Inspire will help me grow both personally and professionally. I’ll learn from a dedicated team in a unique cross-cultural setting, and I hope to use that learning to improve lives at home – in my practice, with my peers, and in wider community work.

Your support, no matter the size, would help make this dream a reality. It would mean the world to me to know you’re part of this journey.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and considering supporting me