To those who don’t know me, hello- my name is Damaris.

After completing my BSc in Criminology with Psychology and Law I decided to challenge myself and study for my MSc in Psychology at the University of Greenwich, driven by a deep passion to one day become a clinical psychologist. Mental health has always mattered to me, not just as an academic interest, but as a human one- because behind every diagnosis is a person with a story that deserves to be heard.

I have been given an incredible and life-changing opportunity to volunteer in Ghana through the charity Vocational Impact. Through this experience, I will be able to offer psychological support to communities with limited access to mental health services, while also learning directly from real-world practice in settings where compassion, patience, and understanding are needed most.

This journey is about so much more than my education. It is about listening, showing up, and standing beside people who are often unheard. It is about helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and reminding individuals that they are not alone- their experiences matter, and their wellbeing is important.

Over the course of four weeks, I will be volunteering in two general hospitals and one psychiatric hospital, as well as working closely with a children’s foundation, supporting and guiding young people in their everyday lives. Alongside this, I will be involved in community outreach, raising awareness and educating others about mental health in an open, respectful, and culturally sensitive way.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you are helping to cover the essential costs of travel and living expenses, allowing me to dedicate my full time and energy to this work. Your kindness will not only support my growth as a future psychologist, but will also help bring hope, care, and compassion to people who deserve to be supported and understood.

If you would like to learn more about the kind of work I’ll be involved in, I encourage you to read other volunteer stories from Vocational Impact here:

https://vocationalimpact.org/stories/

Every donation, share, and word of encouragement truly means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and in the importance of mental health care.

With gratitude and love,

Damaris x