Speech and Language Therapy Volunteering in Cambodia

In short:

From mid-September to December I'll be volunteering in Phnom Penh, Cambodia at the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH), sharing Speech and Language Therapy approaches to support children with learning and developmental disabilities and communication difficulties.

This project is organised by City, University of London but self-funded so any donations to help cover the cost of rent and living would be greatly appreciated!

In long:

I’ve finished my 2-year masters in Speech and Language Therapy - honestly probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s also been brilliant!

Following my undergrad degree, I’ve worked in the creative arts sector leading workshops for galleries and charities and came across Speech and Language Therapy while working in an SEN (Special Educational Needs) Secondary School. After some research into courses I decided to expand my skillset and pursue a new career in a healthcare role that combines medical practice with supporting social skills and community participation.

I feel lucky to have been selected to join the 14th instalment of the City Cambodia Project in Phnom Penh where I will volunteer alongside seven other graduates for three months in schools, hospitals and charities who currently do not have ongoing Speech and Language Therapy provision.

Where I'll be volunteering:

I am excited to be placed at the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH) which is part of Caritas Charity.

https://ccamh.caritascambodia.org/

CCAMH is an outpatient clinic for children with learning and developmental disabilities. At the centre, there are lots of healthcare professionals working together with a strong focus on mental health support. The staff also regularly go on outreach trips to Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang and Battambang to meet families in their homes and local day centres, where there is a greater need of support and fewer resources and trained staff.

I will be training local professionals, members of the community and parents in therapy techniques for supporting children with communication difficulties.

Why do I need money?

The plan is to live in Phnom Penh with the rest of the project team and commute to CCAMH each weekday, which takes around 30mins. We’ll work there from 7.30am to 5pm - I hear everything starts early in Cambodia!

Rent for the shared accommodation is estimated to be about $350/month per person and tuk-tuks are $5-10/day.

Any money raised will directly support my costs for rent and living and I will aim to send regular updates of the project!

Thanks so much for reading and anything you can give towards the target of £700 would be greatly appreciated, it would mean a lot to have your support!

Information from previous years on the City Cambodia Project:

• https://communicationtherapyinternational.org/developing-speech-and-language-therapy-in-cambodia/

• City Cambodia Project Twitter https://x.com/citycambodia?lang=en