Fiji houses only 1 psychiatric facility and 3 doctors with post graduate mental health training. Not only do they have a concerningly high suicide rate but 42% of Fijian's stated they wouldn't seek mental health support due to embarrassment. Think pacific are looking to change this.

In the Fiji Islands, Think Pacific Foundation provides the funding, planning and logistical support to enable volunteer teams to achieve specific development goals in the poorest areas of Fiji as the core element of a well structured, challenging and adventurous expedition. Think Pacific fund short term, medium term and long term government directives which are designed and monitored by local communities and the Fijian Ministry to provide long term social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities.

This summer i will be taking part in a month long expedition volunteering with Think pacific on a mental health project. I will be living in a rural Fijian village. The project aims to stimulate conversation amongst the community about mental health and empower youth, in the long term, to become mental health advocates and provide support for their communities. 

Whilst in Fiji we will be presenting morning workshops that focus on mental health advocacy, healthy habits, peer to peer support, care strategies, physical activity and leadership. We will also be taking part in a culture course presented by Fijian youths focusing on sharing Fijian identity and custom, perspectives, art and food.

This will be an immersive and amazing opportunity where i can gain global experience whilst learning about a new culture and provide advocacy about mental health, an area i am very passion about. and i am hoping to raise £2000 to support the program, invest into Fiji, the charity, their long term goals and sustainability.