Volunteering in Global Mental Health provides much-needed information, practical guidance and inspiration for mental health professionals embarking on global volunteering across different cultures. It provides the background theory and key principles to know when thinking about volunteering, so that volunteering can be done ethically, respectfully and collaboratively. The book then leads on to chapters that outline the practical aspects of preparation and implementation of a project, with key tips on avoiding common pitfalls. This section is followed by personal and inspiring lived field examples of volunteer and hosts' experiences of recent projects in locations such as Somaliland, Sudan, Kashmir and more. These bring to life the mutual benefits and learning potential of global volunteering. The book will help potential volunteers to understand the process, challenges and benefits of working with colleagues around the world, and inspire readers to undertake mental health volunteering globally.

A practical, theoretical and inspiring guide for clinicians embarking on global mental health volunteering.
Reviews
'This is an indispensable guide for those considering volunteering in global mental health but should also be read by global health practitioners - it provides a practical road map as well as a thoughtful consideration of ethical issues and how to navigate different sociocultural, economic and political contexts. The reflections from volunteers who have worked across very diverse settings injects authenticity and brings home the challenges, opportunities and rewards of taking an alternative path- I will keep coming back to this.' Rashida A. Ferrand, Professor of International Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK; Director of The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe
'This is a hugely welcome collection on volunteering in mental health for underserved populations. It covers critical ethical principles, and provides practical tips. It will be useful for those contemplating volunteering, or about to begin, and also for people with additional experience. I particularly valued the emphasis on learning from partners and on sustainability, and the framing of volunteering as part of building equitable long-term partnerships,. The book importantly alludes to planning for ongoing mentoring of colleagues in the host setting after the volunteer is back in their usual workplace. Volunteering in global mental health is likely to be a hugely rewarding life-changing experience and this book will inspire many to take the next step.' Melanie Amna Abas, Professor of Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; Co-Chair, African Regional Network, King's College London; Consultant Psychiatrist, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust



Book Information
ISBN 9781108827003
Author Sophie Thomson
Format Paperback
Page Count 150
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 361g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 12mm