Jules takes Bali

Heeeeey team!

This year I've decided to go completely beyond my comfort zone and do a volunteer mental health placement in Bali with the guidance of SLV Global. We are so fortunate in NZ to have so much medical knowledge about mental health and for many people get the treatment they need and deserve, for a better quality of life. Other countries are not so fortunate and as a result, people are suffering and being mistreated because of what we consider treatable and manageable mental illnesses. They are not getting the necessary treatment and mental stimulation due to a lack of knowledge, professionals, resources and funding. A good example of this is in the first video I shared. One man has been chained by his feet in a room far worse than any NZ prisons for over 30 years. The room in not clean or sanitary, and he is left on the floor like the bags of rubbish surrounding him. This is common practice and widely accepted there, villagers believe this is the best method of dealing with the issue. I find this heartbreaking and inhumane, which is why I have decided to join SLV and make a difference.

So as not to write a novel about the disparities between the two countries I have provided 3 videos: 1. Shows a little about how the mentally ill are treated in the Balinese culture. 2. A group of health professionals trying to make a difference. 3. A video of SLV global talking about the placement I'll be doing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdUrrlRgMFw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kV9LA3jai8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujpTWIgAgiA

Costs for this placement will be around $3000NZD not including flights, medical costs or vaccines (total for everything will be over 5K). I am hoping to raise a portion if not all of this as the money will go towards: accommodation (we will be living in homes with humble families, so we get full emersion into the culture and lifestyle, to help us get an understanding as to why the system is how it is today, and hopefully help us connect better with our patients and the communities we will be working with), training to equip us with the skills necessary for placement, and resources for the impoverished community. Our goal is to educate, treat and care for the people. We will be working in a range of different scenarios such as hospitals, schools and more isolated communities.

So please donate as little or as much as you would like/can because every little bit helps!

In the lead up to it and during I will keep you all posted via my Instagram account @Julzieana

Much love,

Jules