TWO UNIVERSITY of Worcester students have been given a helping hand in funding volunteering trips to Sri Lanka.
Imogen Healy and Emily Johnson, who both study psychology, will travel to the Asian country this year after being awarded separate scholarships.
Imogen said: “I’ll be working with those with learning difficulties and mental illnesses, and for one day every week I will be based in an 800 bed psychiatric unit in the Colombo district.
“I’ll also be delivering projects to local children and teaching local youths, so it’s a great opportunity to get some real hands-on experience as a psychologist in an international setting, something that will be extremely beneficial in my future career.”
The pair have extensive experience in volunteering for UK-based mental health charities, but it will be the first time either have travelled abroad to further their skills.
Emily added: “The placement in Sri Lanka will allow me to gain new skills, such as learning to overcome communication barriers, that will be useful for a career in clinical psychology.
“The scholarship means that I can complete the final semester of my degree concentrating on my studies rather than having to work overtime to pay for the trip.”
Dr Tim Jones, head of Psychology Sciences at the University, added it would play an important part in the pair’s career development.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and is testament to the dedication of our students in developing their skill set and helping to realise their career ambitions,” he said.
