Think Pacific Mental Health Volunteer Project

Hi! My name is Katie and I am a third year medical student at the University of Leeds. In June, I will be spending a month volunteering on a mental health project in Fiji, organised by Think Pacific. To help fundraise for this project, on the 12th May I will be completing the Leeds Half Marathon.

Mental health resources in Fiji are extremely limited, especially in more rural areas, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues remains a significant barrier to effective support and treatment. This project works closely with local NGOs, government bodies, and communities to develop and deliver mental health education, facilitate workshops, and help build sustainable practices that can continue long after the project is completed. The project aims to train the youth as health ambassadors who can continue to educate and support their peers, reducing stigma and promoting wellness at both individual and community levels.

Any support will go directly towards the fees for this project. These fees not only contribute towards the internship delivery and running costs, but a large proportion supports Think Pacific as a charity. This includes contributions to the Fiji Scholarship program, increasing opportunities for students, and long term investments in Fiji, providing support across a variety of areas such as healthcare, sustainability and education.

Completing this project will be an incredible opportunity, and I would be really grateful for any support, not just for me but also for the charity involved. Thank you!