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Community Mental Health Support

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Gain experience in face to face counselling
  • Occasional group counselling work
  • Mental health checks in local villages

Highlights

  • Gain experience in face to face counselling
  • Occasional group counselling work
  • Mental health checks in local villages
  • Explore unforgettable off-the-beaten-track locations with volunteers in free time
  • Experience authentic Vanuatu culture and foods

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Gain face to face counselling experience whilst providing support to disadvantaged communities. Learn new skills and obtain hands-on experience.

    Join us in Vanuatu to help promote mental health and offer assistant to those in need. Activities may include but are not limited to; immersing with the local community offering support to disadvantaged communities, women and children who have escaped domestic violence, mental health checks, ...

    About the program

    Join us in Vanuatu to help promote mental health and offer assistant to those in need. Activities may include but are not limited to; immersing with the local community offering support to disadvantaged communities, women and children who have escaped domestic violence, mental health checks, counselling support, occasional walk-and-talk therapy and group work. Volunteers will have support from a qualified health practitioner. 


    Please note: Public health activities such as education and working alongside our nutrition and public health teams may occur during the intake.

    Gain face to face counselling experience whilst providing support to disadvantaged communities. Participating in our mental health volunteer outreach project is a perfect way to share your passion and experience with those in need. While offering help, you too will benefit, as you will be learning new skills and obtaining hands-on experience.

    *This is a varied program in which volunteers should be willing to ‘go with the flow’ as things operate at a slower pace in Fiji than what many are used to in their home countries. In our Nutrition and Public Health, and Mental Health intakes, we request and encourage Volunteers to be flexible and avoid arriving with an “agenda” of what to expect from this work. Demands can change suddenly, and we always assist with the greatest needs. When volunteering, having a “Community-minded” spirit and willingness to help in whatever way possible will create the most positive and cohesive team environment.


    Location

    Port Vila, the capital and main hub of Vanuatu is situated on Efate island. The architecture has mainly french with the population quite multicultural including ni-Vanuatu, Chinese, Vietnamese, British and French. Port Vila has all the standard facilities you’d expect from a commercial hub such as hospitals, shopping districts (note Vanuatu is a tax haven so duty free!), sports stadium, hotels, casino, museums and cultural centers. The town is a great base for divers who come for the trips to Mele Cascades, a large rain forest water fall with rock pools and incredible scenery.  As the commercial hub tourism plays an important role, however it does not feel ‘touristy’ especially in the areas where IVI services. Here you can get to know the locals and truly experience the authentic lifestyle from outside of the tourist resorts.


    Project Tasks
    • Conduct free mental health checks in villages
    • Educate the local community
    • Support from a qualified health practitioner 
    • Get involved in counselling sessions and walk therapy (location permitting)

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday. Volunteers can expect to have some smaller days of 4-6 hours or bigger days of 8 hours but it does vary, and volunteers need to be flexible with the demands of each location.

    Some of the work you will be doing will be dependent on your prior skill level and qualifications. Some of ...

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday. Volunteers can expect to have some smaller days of 4-6 hours or bigger days of 8 hours but it does vary, and volunteers need to be flexible with the demands of each location.

    Some of the work you will be doing will be dependent on your prior skill level and qualifications. Some of the longer days or basic village stays can be challenging at tiring at times but our volunteers often say this can be the highlight of the trip! Our goal is to offer you the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the field while helping the local community.  

    Free-time activities

    Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our team on the ground will help you organize additional trips at local rates! There’s heaps of things to see and do in Vanuatu, from museums and cultural centers to island hopping, hiking, water sports like snorkeling, diving, ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our team on the ground will help you organize additional trips at local rates! There’s heaps of things to see and do in Vanuatu, from museums and cultural centers to island hopping, hiking, water sports like snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing etc. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at University level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK, COUNSELLING, OR MENTAL HEALTH STUDENTS/ QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Support of in-country practitioner supervisor / coordinator
    • Support of a team (normally 4 to 8 volunteers per intake)
    • Arrival airport transfers
    • 1 day induction & cultural orientation
    • All ground transportation including island ferries (where applicable)
    • Accommodation – Home stays & resort rooms (sharing with other volunteers)
    • 2 quality meals per day (We cater to healthy diets!)
    • Project equipment and materials (eg. safety lancets, gloves, blood testing kits, pamphlets)
    • Kava donations for traditional village greetings (Offerings to village chief’s)
    • 24/7 in-country support & emergency assistance
    • Training & guidance from qualified local staff
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Bauerfield Airport

    Upon your arrival, our driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation to ensure a positive welcome experience to your program.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is in a local guest house, usually in a twin share room. The room will be basic but comfortable with  wester toilets, showers, fans, etc. 


    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be provided for the duration of your placement. Food will be mainly authentic to the local culture which includes plenty of chicken dishes, coconut based curries, dhal (lentils), fresh fish, saffron rice and tropical fruits. 

    *If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bauerfield Airport (VLI) in Port Vila. We assist you to find cheap flights to Vanuatu. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Vanuatu provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Vanuatu you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Vanuatu. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrivals on Sundays.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $894 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

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    Location

    Oceania > Melanesia > Vanuatu > Port Vila

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in Vanuatu
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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