Psychology & Mental Health Hospital Assistant

Agency
·
founded in 2014
Pearl
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Coordinator | Pearl
Coordinator | Pearl
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Experience a life changing cultural journey to Africa.
Gain perspective of how developing nations keep their cultures alive in our modern fast changing world.
Become more passionate about healthcare and gain a sense of community!
Make memories you will never forget with people from all over the world sharing your experience with you.
See some of the most incredible nature scenes in the world including Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Hot Springs, waterfalls and so much more.
Psychology placement working with patients struggling with mental health problems. Work in a large hospital in a clinical team of nurses, doctors and psychologists. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

Are you thinking about volunteering abroad? Take on this amazing opportunity to add depth to your work experience and portfolio. Work with some of the most underprivileged, at risk and vulnerable people to learn compassion, care and the complexities of healthcare in a developing nation.

Medi Trip Placements

Founded and run by a qualified medical professional, Medi Trip is clinically led, medically focused and patient centred. At Medi Trip we are right at the heart of the community, we work only the very best local professionals and we distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. You will be supervised by professionals with years of local experience. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare.

                                                               Mental Health in the Community

The Problem

Mental disorders are very common in almost all countries of the world, and are known to largely affect socioeconomic development and growth. The global DSM-V disorders lifetime prevalence is estimated to be between 18.1% and 36.1%, with no significant difference between high and low and middle income countries. Tanzania is no different. Despite guidelines from WHO for mental health service frameworks, the country still struggles with successful treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from mental illness. Large numbers of people also suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, suicide attempts and many of whom go untreated leading to more complex clinical and social issues. Limited in-patient facilities, resources and qualified professionals competent to treat complex cases mean many remain untreated for years.


Your Mission

This is a placement working in a large outpatient mental health department as they receive patients from the community, asses, diagnose and refer them to in-patient facilities. Volunteer alongside a mental healthcare professional to deliver vital services to patients and their families.

This is a heavily medically led treatment facility centered around mostly medical treatment i.e psycho-pharmaceuticals. There is talk therapy and counselling involved which you can participate in through translation.


  • Work alongside psychiatric nurses,  mental health clinicians and social workers

  • Observe mental health assessments and treatments 

  • Assist with counselling and psycho-educational sessions; services often limited due to lack of resources

  • Assist with delivery of care to people in mental health crisis

  • Assist with delivery of health promotion and health education

  • Observe the effects of long term mental illness on day to day living amongst the most underprivileged

  • Observe the widespread impacts of mental illness on the local community

  • Deliver small scale observational report on your experience and findings.

Will you make a difference?

Yes. Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through volunteering. By providing time and care, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and healthcare at ground level, adding to the work already being done by clinical teams.

This placement can include outreach/community work with people in the wider community. Contact us for more details on outreach..


So, what exactly is medical volunteering?  

It takes truly committed people to this abroad! With medical volunteering, you will be volunteering to work with patients or in a healthcare specific area on a voluntary basis. Unlike other types of volunteering, medical volunteering is a difficult, challenging and profound area. Medical volunteers will witness and experience things other volunteers never will or what they never would have at home. This can be a huge challenge as often times volunteers experience situations that can leave them feeling sad, shocked or confused. But for the most part volunteers are often left amazed at the resilience of their patients and at the skill and dedication of their new colleagues. It truly is a hugely moving experience and one most Medi Trippers never forget.

Why Tanzania?

Tanzania is a bright, beautiful country to visit, the people are warm and gracious. Tanzania is multicultural and has hundreds of various tribes and ethnicities, the most famous being the proud nomadic Maasai tribe. Rich in culture and stunning to see, it really is an exciting part of Africa to visit. That is why thousands of travellers pass through every year. It's capital Dar Es Salaam sits on a breathtaking coastline, an hour from paradise island of Zanzibar. In the north, Arusha sits under the shadows of the great Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Tanzania is home to many famous Safari parks and game reserves where people from all over the world come to visit the spectacular wildlife.

What about COVID 19?

Tanzania has received the safe travel stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council in the wake of the current pandemic. 

Aside from that, you will receive safety guidance and protocol once you have registered with us.  If you would prefer to participate in this project remotely from home, please get in contact for details.

Where will you stay?

You will stay in Siret Hostel, is an award winning bed and breakfast, one of the highest rated and reviewed guesthouses in Arusha. We provide safe, clean and comfortable accommodation, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast and dinner and housekeeping. This will be a quiet and friendly neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town. You will have wifi, hot showers, 24 hour gated security, a domestic/cook (who will happily do your laundry for a small fee) and a coordinator who will ensure you settle in quickly and comfortably into your new town. This is a shared home where you will be staying with other volunteers and guests from across the world, so you will never be on your own in your new environment. The house is impeccably clean, well kept, modern and spacious.

How will you get around?

For your placement, you will travel like a local and walk or take public transport. You will need to set a small budget aside for this (around $1 per day by local minibuses, 4 to 5 days per week). It is important you are prepared and comfortable to travel around town, this is a demanding role that requires dedication.

To get around town you will have the choice of local taxis (we have contacts of affordable, trusted drivers) who can get you around town or you can use the famous ‘dala dala’ mini buses that most Tanzanians use to travel locally everyday. Some people adapt very fast and choose to walk around, it is safe to do so however like with any new environment we strongly advise you to be aware of pickpockets and thieves. Always be safe and ask your coordinator before going anywhere new to you.

Important VISA & Permit Information

You will be required to pay a for a VISA & Permit for voluntary work assignment. Please enquire for details.

CLINICAL PRACTICE FEE
$50 usd per week. This is a payment all medical volunteers in Tanzania must make (Ministry of Health, Tanzania). 

Where do my fees go?

Most of your fees are spent locally. Fees ensure you have above standard accommodation, that you have a personal coordinator picking you up at the airport, orientating you and you have a coordinator day to day and your program is planned and facilitated specifically for you, to match your skills and get you to provide the very best to those that need you. 

Do any fees go directly to the projects?

​Yes they do. Although we don't necessarily think that making financial contributions solve the complex issues faced by deprived areas, we do make a charitable donation on your behalf to your project placement. This is not mandatory. We do this as we know how challenging it can be for our partners to host, supervise and very often teach volunteers. We want our partners to know they are valued and respected for their time as best we can.

Is Africa safe for me to travel alone? Do I need to be with other volunteers?

​Regardless of whether you're volunteering on a clinical mission, you're still a tourist. Forward planning is key to protecting yourself from risk as you would anywhere in the world. As a group or a solo traveller from abroad, you will attract attention but, you will also have a great support system in your volunteer coordinators, fellow travellers/volunteers and ​supervisors. It's important to try and be conscientious of your new surroundings and respect and follow local customs as much as possible and insure yourself from any possible risks. 

Africa is a large continent with every country varying greatly in local culture, customs, rules and regulations. Research your destination as much as possible and ask as many questions as possible. We would never place you at risk or in harm's way, however it is important you take ownership of your journey and behave responsibly. 

Still have more questions? Ask away and get in touch!


Typical day

Your typical day will usually begin very early, beginning with a ward round of doctors assessments and receiving a handover of your patients. You will support your supervising colleagues with care of your patients that need to be treated. You will either observe or assist in managing the care and needs of those patients for the day. Your day can be either very hectic and extremely challenging or slow and very quiet. You will need to be motivated, resilient and work well in a team in order to get the best out of your experience. 

What will your schedule look like?
07:30 Breakfast
08:00 Report to placement
12:00-13:00 Lunch Break
15:00 Placement ends

The rest of the day will be yours to relax and enjoy what the town has to offer you!

Free-time activities

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town. There is a newly built mall in the town centre which also now has a cinema complex and more places to relax. There is a vibrant night life on most evenings in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink, watch outdoor cinema or go dancing. 

Night life

The social life in Tanzania is amazing, because Tanzanians are so open, friendly and love a good laugh. Tanzanian’s are famous in East Africa for their partying. They really do know how to have a good time. Their DJ’s and musicians are some of the best in Africa and there are many bars, clubs and restaurants popular amongst tourists and volunteers where you can let your hair down and socialise with locals and people from across the world.

Siret Trip Adventures provide a unique opportunity for our special volunteers to experience more of Africa's beauty. Take a scenic weekend walking tour of the lush rolling foothills of Mt Meru or a breathtaking day trips to some the world's most admired national reserves. Arusha is packed with opportunity to experience unique and unforgettable outdoor adventures. 

What else is there to do?

There are endless possibilities. Most volunteers rave about climbing Kilimanjaro. This usually takes about a week, so ensure you organise this with us before you arrive. Take advantage of this amazing tourist treasure.

Hot springs

An oasis in the middle of a barren landscape. The hot springs are truly magnificent. This can be organised as a day trip at any time. 

The Waterfalls

Another hot favourite. Hiking across lush vegetation to the spectacular waterfalls.

Safari

Ah yes, what Tanzania is world famous for. Safari is once in a lifetime adventure that is unique to the Africa experience. Unforgettable and jaw dropping landscapes is what is promised. This will need you to sacrifice some days, so please ensure you organise this long in advance. 

Tour packages, Safari's and cultural experiences are all available. 

Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding

Require­ments

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)
Criminal Background Check
required
Education Requirements
Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling at Minimum of 2nd University Degree or Diploma level
Required Documents
CV, Medi Trip application form, proof of qualifications and two character references
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
Minimum of 6 months experience working in a mental health.
At least in Year 2 of study with practical experience
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

Services by Medi Trip
  • Volunteer placement facilitation-full program scheduling 
  • Placement supervision
  • Pre-arrival support & preparation of your project/work placement
  • Airport pick up 
  • Orientation (usually begins on a Monday
  • Accommodation Room & Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Daily in-person availability of coordinators
  • EXCLUDES

    • $50 USD per week Clinical Practice Fee (please note this is government fee and not a donation)
    • Airport transport on departure (can be arranged)
    • VISA and PERMIT fees
Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

PICK UP POINTS:
Kilimanjaro Airport
Arusha Airport
Arusha Bus station

Accommodation

Our volunteers stay in a newly refurbished volunteer house with modern amenities for a comfortable guest house experience.

  • Conveniently located in town
  • Housekeeping daily
  • Hot showers
  • WiFi
  • Beautiful spacious grounds 
  • Gated security with electric fencing and intercom entry. 

Private double bedrooms available on request.

Bedroom (Double) Bedroom (Single) Dorm Room Guest Family Guesthouse Youth Hostel
Food & Beverages

Breakfast and Dinner

  • Continental breakfast with, eggs, toast, variety of fruit! Coffee & Tea.
  • Dinner Mondays to Fridays. Kitchen facilities available at weekends.
    • A set menu of spaghetti bolognese, pilau (flavoured rice and veg), rice and chicken, chapati (flat bread) and beans served with salad and fruit!
  • We have a filtered water cold/hot water dispenser to save on buying bottled water and make sure you keep hydrated with clean and safe water!

And of course the kitchen is yours to use! We have a fabulous chef who can guide you to local supermarkets if you want to buy your own personal food and snacks!

During orientation you will be shown tasty and affordable places to get lunch during your work day. You will have a good variety of local and western food places. There are amazing cafe's, bistro's and affordable western restaurants to enjoy a burger, salad, seafood etc!

Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania.
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 Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

Placement begins on the first Monday of each week, except for the last week of each month. Placements still available during public holidays. Please book according to your arrival/landing date, to endeavour to start on a MONDAY to ensure you maximise your work hours during the week.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
2 - 50 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$735
3 weeks
$840
4 weeks
$945
5 weeks
$1,050
6 weeks
$1,155
7 weeks
$1,260
12 weeks
$1,785
50 weeks (max. stay)
$9,907
Average fees
$283 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Medi Trip will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Medi Trip during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Medi Trip cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Medi Trip.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Psychology & Mental Health Hospital Assistant

Psychology placement working with patients struggling with mental health problems. Work in a large hospital in a clinical team of nurses, doctors and psychologists.

$283/week

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