Volunteering in Sri Lanka on the SLV Mental Health Placement was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding learning experiences I have ever had. I learned so much about working with individuals with mental ill health and additional needs in various settings that I would otherwise have no access to, and I very much enjoyed teaching English in schools and communities to people of varied ages and abilities. A particularly positive aspect of the programme is that we were able to plan and deliver project sessions that were tailored to the service users, which aimed to benefit them in some way, especially by improving sensory, motor and social skills, and we could see how they developed week after week. Aside from the projects, the placement gave me the opportunity to explore the beautiful country at the weekends, to completely immerse myself in Sri Lankan culture while living with my homestay family, and to make many friends. I cannot recommend SLV highly enough. Thank you!