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Ghana Mental Health Volunteers

location
2 - 4 weken  ·  Leeftijd 18 - 50+
Geverifieerd
Hoogste Kwaliteit Vrijwilligersproject. Dit project biedt de hoogste kwaliteit die normen stelt - ver boven het gemiddelde.

Highlights

  • 80% of volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • Gain exposure to health treatment & facilities across 2 hospital settings
  • Shadow psychiatric doctors & nurses on community outreach programs

Highlights

  • 80% of volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • Gain exposure to health treatment & facilities across 2 hospital settings
  • Shadow psychiatric doctors & nurses on community outreach programs
  • Structured weekend trips to Cape Coast & Mole National Park
  • Embrace Ghanaian culture with drumming & dancing evening activities

  • Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 18+
    Alleenstaanden
    Groepen

    Over het programma

    This amazing opportunity gives you an insight into how psychiatric services operate in Ghana today. Help this important sector to reach modern standards.

    The mental health volunteer in Ghana placement is designed to provide insight into how psychiatric services operate within Ghana. Ghana's volunteer programs provide an amazing cultural experience. The mental health and psychology program provides international volunteers with a unique learning ...

    Over het programma

    The mental health volunteer in Ghana placement is designed to provide insight into how psychiatric services operate within Ghana. Ghana's volunteer programs provide an amazing cultural experience. The mental health and psychology program provides international volunteers with a unique learning experience. Most noteworthy, participants will establish a deeper understanding of the history and developments of mental healthcare in Ghana.

    BACKGROUND TO THE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

    Ghana’s mental health sector is funded primarily by the government. Its psychiatric services stem back to the early 19th century. Traditionally, patients who suffered from mental health illnesses would be detained in prisons. These prisons later developed into a ‘lunatic asylum’.

    1904 saw the first purposeful psychiatric hospital built in Ghana accommodating 200 patients to start with. Extensive amendments focussed on mental health were made to hospital buildings to burden overcrowding. Rapid expansions in staff training and recruitment for mental health followed.

    From the 1950s innovative treatments for psychiatric illnesses such as ‘chlorpromazine’ and ‘electroconvulsive’ therapy began to emerge more prevalently. Patients were removed from chains and isolation between patients became discouraged. Staff were now refrained from punishing patients as previously had been a norm.

    Essentially, knowledge and understanding began to increase in and around mental health and the issues associated with it. Despite such advances, many citizens in Ghana still believed and practised the traditional forms of psychiatric treatment.

    Many patients or their relatives would still opt for a traditional or herbal form of treatment. This is due to a widely held belief that mental health illnesses remain caused by supernatural evil forces. Such forces are best exiled by traditional medical methods. Examples include visiting shrines, herbalist centres or prayer camps. Methods that would be relatively more accessible and inexpensive.

    Nevertheless, government policy in the long term remains to establish and expand psychiatric facilities in all regional and district hospitals. The 1970s saw the creation of registered mental nurses (RMNs) and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs). This program expanded into Kumasi in the 1990s.

    To summarise, recent government policy has attempted to normalise, ingrain and mainstream up-to-date psychiatric services into primary healthcare. However, the reality is a lot more needs to be done to achieve this even today. With a population of over 26 million, Ghana only has 13 practising psychiatrists in the public service. Inadequate staffing remains a recurrent problem with occupational therapists, social workers and CPNs all hard to come by.

    Traditional healers who can bring with them inhumane treatment methods remain prevalent in Ghana today. It is estimated that around 2.5 million people in Ghana currently suffer from some form of mental health illness. Public education plays a leading role today in helping to overcome widely held traditional myths about mental illnesses. Consequently, patients and relatives are encouraged to seek early professional and alternative treatment.

    Such alternative treatments focus on areas such as occupational therapies and community outreach programs. As a mental health volunteer in Ghana, you will usually get the chance to experience this. In addition to this, a mental health act passed in 2012 aims to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with mentally ill people in Ghana.

    Should mental health volunteers in Ghana wish to consider alternative or additional projects, our mental health volunteering abroad project in Sri Lanka is recognised as our leading mental health volunteer opportunity. For the reason that volunteers receive greater exposure and involvement across a range of placement and project settings.

    MENTAL HEALTH VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT EXAMPLES

    Manhyia Government Hospital - All participants in the Mental Health Experience in Ghana will spend their first week within the Manhyia Hospital. The psychiatric department consists of only two rooms and five physiatric nurses. The responsibilities of these staff members lie in diagnosis, prescribing and consulting.

    Those completing volunteer work in Ghana can observe consultations and ward rounds for patients being treated elsewhere within the hospital. Common conditions witnessed by the staff include depression, mania, psychosis, enuresis, migraine, epilepsy, bipolar, alcoholism, dementia and delirium.

    Tafo Government Hospital - Our participants spend their remaining time based at the Tafo District at the Tafo Government Hospital. The Physiatric department of Tafo Government Hospital first emerged in 1970. However, almost 50 years later, the department still does not have a permanent location within the institution. This follows a lack of recognition of the importance of the services by leading bodies of the hospital. The team of 14 members is therefore frequently shifted between available rooms.

    The team offers three main services. Such services include consultation, community outreach programs and the provision of education to patients with mental health disorders. With these services, the department has three main goals.

    First of all, to make mental health services accessible within the community. Secondly, to educate the general public about the prevalence of mental health disorders and avoid stigmas. Finally, to have a permanent location for offering mental health services.

    The department will often see between 60-70 patients per day. On the first day, participants will receive an orientation from the staff, introducing them to the services offered by the hospital. For the remainder of their time, volunteers will shadow a member of the team. This will include observing consultations, clinical reviews and perhaps even outreach programs.

    Healthcare professionals in Ghana are very friendly and willing to support international volunteers. They are always on hand to answer your questions and describe consultations clinically. Furthermore, the local staff usually speak very good English to combat any language barrier.

    Volunteers on this mental health volunteering abroad project will have the opportunity to spend time aiding the local staff. This may include assessing patient records, evaluating signs of progress, measuring any diagnoses and prescribing any relevant medicines. The doctor will talk through the different ways in which they take care of patients suffering from mental health issues.

    OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER AS A VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

    Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. Our local team can help arrange onward transfers to the airport or an alternative destination from the volunteer accommodation. Making specific arrangements once in Ghana provides more flexibility as plans can often change and participants may be on similar flight plans. The costs depend on your method of transport and your final destination. Participants will usually get the coach back to Accra airport or arrange a short domestic flight from Kumasi to Accra airport instead.

    Project Flexibility - As for all our volunteer in Ghana programs, it is possible to combine multiple projects. First of all, please apply for the main program start date you’d like to partake in. Secondly, outline in your online application the details of the other projects you’d like to do. Our local team will finalise the details of your placements during your in-country orientation.

    Hands-On Involvement - Please note this program has been specially designed for those already studying or exploring further study in psychology/mental health. Therefore it may not be appropriate or applicable for those outside this. This volunteer program provides a platform to gain insight and awareness into mental health in a new culture.

    As a mental health volunteer in Ghana, your level of involvement at the project is dictated by a range of factors. First of all your medical experience (if any), duration of your program and willingness to get involved. The medical staff are accountable for you whilst you’re under their supervision, so it is completely up to them if you are permitted and want to get involved in hands-on procedures.

    Generally speaking those with little or no medical experience assume a largely observational role. If you are studying a mental health-related degree, then you may have more opportunity to undertake some more basic hands-on involvement. However, to reiterate we can never guarantee or endorse hands-on experience should you choose to get hands-on, as the decision ultimately lies with the medical staff and their patients.

    Trained Professionals - Please note this program is not suitable for trained professionals who are looking to practise overseas. This opportunity is only suitable for students looking to go into the mental health or psychology field and wish to learn about a healthcare system overseas.

    Weekends - Your project work in Ghana runs from Monday-Friday and weekends are free. You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Ghana Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend. We also run two separate weekend trips which you can sign-up to before you depart for Ghana. We offer the Cape Coast & Busua Surf Trip along with the Mole National Park Trip with opportunities running every month.




    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    This project is designed to provide insight into mental health issues for those currently studying mental health or psychology. More specifically, it provides a platform to increase awareness and learning about psychiatric services in Ghana. This extends to ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    This project is designed to provide insight into mental health issues for those currently studying mental health or psychology. More specifically, it provides a platform to increase awareness and learning about psychiatric services in Ghana. This extends to developing an understanding of the history and developments of mental health in Ghana.

    In general, volunteers work at the project Monday-Friday for around 3-4 hours every day from 9am-1pm. Usually, as a mental health volunteer in Ghana, you will take lunch at the project. Use your free time at the Volunteer House to plan questions for the days ahead.

    Transport to and from the mental health project is not included in your Program Fee. Consequently, volunteers will usually travel by private taxi. Our local team will show you how to get to and from your volunteer project location during the orientation period as well as how to use our local taxi system. Most noteworthy, heavy traffic and poor road infrastructure are commonplace within Kumasi. Subsequently, the journey to the volunteer project can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour from the Volunteer House.


    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Volunteers are based in a friendly neighbourhood of Ghana’s second city, Kumasi. The volunteer house is a 45-minute drive into Kumasi city centre, which is still dripping with Ashanti traditions and has some interesting sights.

    Kumasi is still the heart of Ashanti country and the site of West ...

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    Volunteers are based in a friendly neighbourhood of Ghana’s second city, Kumasi. The volunteer house is a 45-minute drive into Kumasi city centre, which is still dripping with Ashanti traditions and has some interesting sights.

    Kumasi is still the heart of Ashanti country and the site of West Africa’s largest cultural centre, the palace of the Ashanti king. The city is surrounded by rolling green hills and has a vast and vibrant central market.

    Close to the market is the city’s National Cultural Centre which encompasses a museum of Ashanti history and you can even try your hand at traditional dance and drumming classes!


    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 18 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je tenminste 18 jaar oud te zijn op de startdatum van het programma. Er kunnen uitzonderingen gemaakt worden indien je een bewijs van toestemming kan aantonen van uw wettelijke voogd(en) of samen met je ouders deelneemt.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (gemiddeld niveau)

    Opleidingsvereisten

    Psychology, Mental Health op University niveau

    Bewijs van goed gedrag en zeden

    verplicht

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Andere vaardigheden

    You should also be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us during your online application.

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag en vrijdag

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten op locatie

    • Accommodation 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    • Airport Pick Up
    • In-Country Orientation
    • 24 Hour Support

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op Kumasi Airport

    You should arrive into Kotoka International Airport (airport code ACC) on the Sunday. The airport pickup is available 24 hours. 

    On arrival, a member of our local team will be at the waiting area for you holding a sign. They will drive you straight to our partner hotel where you can relax and settle in. The hotel is around 15 minutes away from the airport.

    Accomodatie

    Volunteer House

    Your first night in Ghana will be spent at a hotel near Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Our partner hotel offers basic but comfortable accommodation. You will share a room with fellow volunteers. Rooms are air-conditioned and a local team coordinator will also stay at the hotel. As a result, you will have 24/7 support if needed. Furthermore, the team member will travel with you to Kumasi the following day.

    During your time on the Ghana volunteer programs, you will live in our Volunteer House. This is located in a friendly neighbourhood, a 45 minute drive from Kumasi city centre. You will find restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs in the centre of the town. However, there is also a small shop opposite the Volunteer House. The local community is extremely friendly!

    The Volunteer House is basic but comfortable. Each room has bunk beds with up to 10 people in same-sex rooms. Volunteers are provided with air conditioning in the room. In addition, each international volunteer is provided with their own mosquito net and bed linen. Bathrooms are limited and are shared between volunteers. There are showers and western style toilets available. The water is cold but this shouldn’t be a problem as Ghana is hot all year round!

    Each participant will also be provided with a locker for storing small valuables and important items. In communal areas, there is CCTV for security reasons. However, we always recommend you store your valuables locked away when not in use. Living in the Volunteer House offers a great social experience! The house has a communal area for volunteers to hang out after completing volunteer work in Ghana. There is a lounge, TV and DVD player. Furthermore, there is an outside seating area for volunteers to relax in during their free time.

    Wi-Fi is not available at the accommodation. However, our local team provides all participants with a free local SIM card. As a result, participants can purchase a data package that is reliable, cheap and allows for good internet access. A 4G data package is usually very cheap and can be used across Ghana. Please make sure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Ghana.

    We also have a refrigerator where you can store your food items, however, please remember this is dependent on electricity. Since power cuts can be a frequent occurrence in Ghana! Clothes can be hand-washed or there are local laundry services near the Volunteer House. A member of our local team will also live at the house. The house is gated and secure and our local coordinator lives on-site ensuring you have constant support and security.

    Please note that power cuts and water shortages are very common in Ghana. Whilst we have backup measures to combat this, there may be times when the power cuts out or there is no water for a while. It’s important to be aware of this in advance and be able to adapt accordingly.

    Eten & Drank

    Volunteers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner every day during their time. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Volunteer House, whereas for lunch we provide you with a packed lunch or the project may provide you with lunch.

    Pork, lamb and beef are difficult to source in Ghana and usually quite expensive. The main meat is chicken, fish and goat. There is also a real lack of fresh dairy products, so you should be prepared to live without milk and cheese etc. Most milk is tinned.

    There are a number of western restaurants around a 45 minute drive out from the accommodation should you fancy picking up some home comforts. There are also some Chinese and Indian restaurants in Kumasi. Our local team will tell you all about the options available to you during your in-country orientation.

    Please note most meals will incorporate lots of carbs and not so much dairy or meat compared to the UK so please be open minded around this! It may take you a few days for your body to accustom to the local food as well.

    * Please inform us in your application if you have any dietary requirements. Furthermore, meals on the Sunday arrival date are NOT included, so please budget between £5 to £10 for this.

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site
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    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is Kumasi Airport (KMS) in Kumasi. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Ghana. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Ghana biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Ghana dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Ghana. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    This program starts on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month

    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    2 weken (min. verblijf) 655€
    3 weken 777€
    4 weken (max. verblijf) 898€
    Gemiddelde kosten 276€/week

    Programmakosten

    276€ per week 2 - 4 weken Leeftijd 18 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN


    Duurtijd

    2 - 4 weken

    Aanbetaling

    Reserveer je plek met slechts een paar klikken en een kleine, veilige aanbetaling. Je kunt betalen met creditcard, PayPal of andere handige methoden.


    Restbetaling

    Tijdens de aanmeldingsprocedure spreek je met de lokale organisatie af hoe je de restbetaling doet. Deze restbetaling is pas verschuldigd dichter bij het begin van je reis.

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