About My Project
I am raising money to support my mental placement in Bali this summer with ThinkPacific! This non-profit organisation runs ethical volunteer projects in partnership with local organisations across the Pacific region. Their work focuses on community development, cultural exchange, wellbeing initiatives, and responsible travel, and I am really proud to be joining their Mental Health Project this July!
This opportunity offers invaluable, cross-cultural learning and hands-on experience that will directly support my educational and career goals. I will take part in an immersive program, learning from local professionals, and collaborating with inspiring community partners to support both individual and collective wellbeing. Together with a small team, we will help deliver psycho-social activities that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage emotional resilience within the community in Bali. You can learn more about it here! https://youtu.be/think-pacific-bali
More About Me
As mentioned in my introduction video, my name is Gabi, and I am a Childhood Studies student at the University of Essex.
I have always known I wanted to work with people, as I am very passionate about supporting others, especially young or vulnerable people. This is something I have always been committed to through both my academic choices and practical experience. I have worked as a teaching assistant in an SEN school, ran self-esteem workshops for girls as part of a charity organisation, and I have also been a carer for the elderly before I began my studies.
why this project matters to me
Mental health is a global issue, and through this project I will gain insight into how community-based services work in another culture, not just the western world. This kind of practical opportunity to learn and grow in a completely new environment is something I believe will have a lasting impact, both on me and the communities I will work with.
This will also be a personal journey for me, as travelling to Bali alone will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone, as someone who has struggled with mental health myself in the past. I’m excited (although a bit nervous!) to meet new people, experience another culture, and challenge myself personally and professionally. This project a unique opportunity to build confidence, skills, and perspective that I can apply in my future work.
why i need your help
Although I have been saving money from part-time work, and am in receipt of University funding for this educational trip abroad (which helped me pay some of the fees such as deposits), the full cost of expenses is still a challenge to cover. These include:
- £1,700 Program Fee (covers accommodation, transport to placement, training, project support, and most meals during the placement) - The majority of this will be covered by University funding
- £1,209 for return flights to Bali - The majority of this will be covered by University funding
- £215 Visa Payment
- Around £150 for Travel Insurance and Vaccinations
- Kit and Travel Essentials
- Additional living costs in Bali (such as drinkable bottled water and meals on weekends when not on placement)
where donations will go
Every donation, no matter the size, would genuinely mean the world to me!
All funds will go directly towards the above expenses. I'm aiming for a minimum of £500 to cover my Visa, insurance and extra living costs, assuming that my University funding and personal savings can cover the majority of my flights and project fees.
With your support, reaching my target of £1000 would allow me to be securely cover all project and travel fees.
If I am lucky enough to receive any additional donations, I would be able to leave more of my personal savings aside for my final week in Bali, during which I hope to explore more of the island and culture to truly make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Rewards
To say thank you, I have put together a few little rewards for anyone who donates, like handwritten postcards, souvenirs or personal updates from my trip. You will find these reward options listed on this page! Please note that some of these rewards are limited due to baggage space.
help me spread the word
If you are not in a position to donate, that’s completely okay! you can still support me by sharing this page with friends, family, or anyone who might be interested in my mission. Every bit of support helps!
Thank you so much for reading and being part of this journey with me :)
