Image: Catherine Wells (left) and Susan Carlisle (second right) in Sri Lanka
Thanks to generous donations from our alumni and staff towards the Student Fund, Catherine Wells and Susan Carlisle were fortunate to have a life-changing experience when they were awarded the Broadening Horizons Travel Bursary.
Occupational Therapy students Catherine and Susan were keen to help those most in need and to carry out their final placement in Sri Lanka. Catherine from Donaghadee and Susan from Lisburn completed their voluntary placement at a facility for people with a range of mental and physical disabilities, ranging from children to vulnerable adults aged up to 40 years old. This remarkable experience was made possible thanks to the Student Fund which is generously supported by our alumni and staff.
Catherine said of her experience
“It was absolutely heart-breaking to see first-hand the severe lack of resources and expertise. It was very overwhelming at the start, due to the conditions, the lack of staffing and the vulnerability of the residents. In our time there, we were able to start the use of a sensory room. This enabled the younger children to interact with each other and gave them the opportunity for play, movement and fun. It’s so rewarding that this valuable resource is now there as a legacy to our time there, and indeed as a legacy to the support which enabled us to volunteer there.”
Susan added:
“My time in Sri Lanka has really opened my eyes to how differently people with disabilities are treated in different cultural, social and economic environments. This experience has driven home how important it is for me to work collaboratively with my clients to ensure their values and beliefs are always considered to provide meaningful, compassionate and culturally sensitive treatments.”