Gabby is off to South Africa...

Dear friends, family, and supporters,

I am Gabby, a student at University of Leicester studying Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience.

I am so excited to share that I will be travelling to South Africa in July to join a Psychology volunteering programme with Vocational Impact.

To raise funds for Vocational Impact, I have decided to join my grandma on a challenge and take part in a 25 mile bike ride in Suffolk in April. Anybody who knows me will know this is not my preferred mode of transport so plenty of time in the gym will be needed before then!

This journey is about more than just my studies - Vocational Impact is a branch of the international charity Arms Around The Child. They send volunteers with specific knowledge and skills to their partner projects in order to make a real difference on the ground. I will be working with Teddy Bear Foundation, REPSSI and Nkosi’s Haven- who play a vital role in their community. While I lend and learn skills, the money raised will go into these locally run community projects.

Teddy Bear Foundation:

The Teddy Bear Foundation works to reduce the effects of child abuse - specifically child sexual abuse - and minimise its further occurrence. I will be volunteering with them to help provide holistic support and services to children, supporting their access to the criminal justice system. The children also receive counselling and therapy to process their trauma - and have diversion programmes for those who are at risk of or already have gone on to offend and continue the cycle of abuse. The Teddy Bear foundation even works in the community to educate on how to spot and stop abuse. Donations go towards helping them provide a safe, happy future for the children in their care.

REPSSI:

Regional Psychosocial Support Initiatives (REPSSI) provides holistic psychosocial care and support to children across the East and South of Africa, responding to the mental health needs of children affected by HIV and AIDS, conflict, poverty and social issues.

Nkosi’s Haven supports mothers and children whose lives have been impacted by HIV and AIDS. It is home to over 150 HIV positive orphans, children and mothers. The children all attend school and receive the greatest care; meals and nutrition; and vitally - medication.

How You Can Help:

I am asking for your support to help me reach my fundraising goal of £2000. By donating, you help fund these projects that make a huge and sustainable difference in their communities. Together, we can help ensure that these projects continue to provide invaluable support to those who need it.

Thank you for your support and belief in my mission, and that of Vocational Impact.