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Mental Health Awareness & Support Programs

 

Mental Health Advocacy & Support Program

With the support of our volunteers and members of the community worldwide, we reach out to schools and those in rural communities who have limited knowledge and support in mental health with great priority given to victims of gender-based violence.     

 

PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Qualified mental health professionals administering appropriate treatment for mental health related cases.
  • Mental Health assesment of students using the VOIICE case report forms for reference to qualified professionals.
  • Visiting communities in Ghana such as churches, mosques and schools to create awareness on mental health.
  • Interviewing the indigenous people on what they think about mental illness and it’s association with spirituality.
  • Going on school outreaches to talk to students on mental health and it’s effect on gender based violence victims.
  • Mental health training and workshops.

PROJECT LOCATION:

Accra will be the main center of our work, however we may travel to visit other rural communities in outreach and support.

Accra is the capital of Ghana, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Accra is the most densely populated city in Ghana. The central business district of Accra contains the city’s main banks and department stores, as well as an area known as the Ministries, where Ghana’s government administration is concentrated. Economic activities in Accra include the financial and commercial sectors, fishing using the best spinning reel for striper fishing and the manufacture of processed food, lumber, plywood, textiles, clothing and chemicals.

Tourism is becoming a thriving source of business for those in arts and crafts, historical sites and local travel and tour agents. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honors Ghana’s first president, who helped lead the country to independence. The park contains Nkrumah’s mausoleum and a museum charting his life. Makola Market is the city’s vast, colorful bazaar. Popular seafront spots Labadi Beach and Kokrobite Beach offer golden sand and high-energy nightlife.

ARRIVAL & AIRPORT PICKUP:

After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. A member of staff from VOIICE will meet you on arrival at Airport and take you to the volunteer guest house or host family which will be your base for volunteering. This airport services numerous international carriers. Ghana has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.

ORIENTATION:

Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. Generally, your volunteer orientation is an overview of the project’s mission, expectations and introduction to the local community and project site. Following your arrival in Ghana you will be given a presentation by the co-coordinating project team to prepare you for the work you will be doing.

PROJECT DETAILS:

VOIICE receives volunteers of all expertise and background into this program but most effective persons are those with some background in gender and mental health. 

Seminars and talks will be organized where the subject of mental health and gender based violence will be discussed.

There will be training and workshops for people who are interested in offering mental health support to people especially those who have history of violence and abuse.

This program will constitute travels to rural and urban communities to do outreaches to creating awareness on mental health while we engage the locals in making them understand mental health.

Visiting schools to educate students and recruiting them to join the VOIICE Community to becoming agents of change that will propel our efforts to seeing a better world devoid of violence and discrimination. 

Professionals will offer counseling and therapy sessions for underprivileged persons that may have never had the opportunity before but in dire need of it.

You are also free to cater for your own recreational experience in the capital on the weekends.

GROUP VOLUNTEER TRIPS:

Get some friends together or organize a group from your school and embark on this incredible experience! Discounts are offered on any group of 5+ participants on any VOIICE Volunteer program.

LONGTERM VOLUNTEER WORK:

Please contact us for more information about our long-term volunteer work . We will guide you on the best times of the year, what to pack, and what extra health precautions to keep in mind and all logistics.

VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION:

Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house if they come in groups, otherwise assigned a host family that allows room to experience the raw and pleasant reality of living in a Ghanaian home.  Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are provided to the participants from Monday – Sunday. The accommodations are neat and clean. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms if in groups, otherwise a room is assigned to you by host families. Wifi internet, warm water is not guaranteed.

The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATM’s, currency exchanges, restaurants, cafes and shopping places. All placements are around 10 – 30 minutes from the accommodation. At some point volunteers might be on the move and hence we suggest also bringing a sleeping mat and sleeping bag/pillow for travel and weekends away on adventures. Bathrooms are usually shared in volunteer houses or host families. There is a lounge,living room or studio area for relaxing, reading, or watching movies.

However, volunteers may choose to get some extra accomodation services like booking affordable guest houses, hostels or even Airbnb if requested by volunteers. More info here

AGE REQUIREMENT:

Our program is for anyone eighteen years and above who loves service above self and social experiences with people from all over the world. We also accepts volunteers of 16+ years of age if they are in a group with a guardian or supervisor above 25years. Volunteers under 16 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary. Families are encouraged to apply and are welcome!

VISAS:

Visitors to Ghana must obtain a visa from one of the Ghanaian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the countries or territories that are either visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival. If special requirements are satisfied, the citizens of countries without diplomatic or consular mission of Ghana travelling on short notice may obtain a visa on arrival. Visa is granted on arrival for holders of a copy of a pre-arranged approval from immigration.

INSURANCE:

You’ll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation on the program. You won’t be able to go without the right travel insurance so double check to avoid disappointment. Please make sure that you’re covered for the whole duration of your trip – from the day you leave your home to the day you return.

WEEKENDS AND FREE-TIME:

Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that Ghana has to offer. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend safaris. No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy! You can also make requisite booking for these weekend experiences of your choice here.

PROJECT FACTS (Click Tabs to reveal details)

Availability

Project open all year round

1 WEEKS

$300

Project Orientation

Accommodation

3 meals a day

Airport Pickup

In-Country Support

Project Transportation

Certificate 

2 WEEKS

$450

Project Orientation

Accommodation

3 meals a day

Airport Pickup

In-Country Support

Project Transportation

Certificate 

ANY EXTRA WEEK

$150

Project Orientation

Accommodation

3 meals a day

Airport Pickup

In-Country Support

Project Transportation

Certificate 

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