Welcome to Clinical Placement Volunteer Program
"Empowering Change. One Volunteer at a Time."
Join a global network of changemakers dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate service, hands-on learning, and community collaboration. Whether you're stepping into mental health, education, or clinical care, our immersive volunteer programs offer life-changing experiences rooted in purpose and impact. ...
Why Volunteer With Us
Real-World Experience, Cultural Immersion, Community Impact
Who Can Apply
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including students in psychology,
Join Us Today
Make your passion count. Make a difference where it matters most.
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Community Mental Health
Extend mental health support into underserved communities through outreach, education, and mobile services. Extend mental health support beyond clinic walls. Volunteers engage in mobile outreach,
Mental Health Care
Support individuals with mental health challenges by working in care facilities and community-based programs under professional supervision.
Clinical Psychology
Work with licensed psychologists to support individuals facing mental health issues. Dive into the heart of mental wellness by shadowing licensed psychologists and contributing to the emotional care of individuals in clinical settings.
Social Work
Collaborate with social workers across various settings, supporting families, children, and vulnerable populations. Join social service professionals in empowering vulnerable populations.
Early Childhood Development
Help nurture young children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Nurture the minds of tomorrow by supporting holistic development in early learners.
School Psychology
Create a safe and inclusive school environment by supporting mental health in education. Shape healthier learning environments by advocating for students’ mental wellness.
Drug Addiction Rehabilitation
This program supports individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. Volunteers work in community centers, clinics, or rehabilitation facilities alongside trained professionals. The focus is on rehabilitation, reintegration, and long-term recovery support.
Medical Placement
Begin a life-changing experience with our Medical Placement Volunteer Program, tailored for medical, nursing, and midwifery students and graduates.
Occupational Therapy
Support individuals in regaining and enhancing the skills needed for daily living. This program is ideal for volunteers interested in functional therapy, community-based care, and personalized rehabilitation
SOME UNIVERSITIES OUR VOLUNTEERS COME FROM
VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS
My internship experience through the Clinical Placement Volunteer Program stands as one of the most meaningful chapters in both my personal and professional journey. I chose to volunteer because I wanted to support others and contribute to communities and teams with incredible potential. It was important to me to make a difference in a way that empowered individuals and honored the strength already present within their communities.
What truly drew me to this work was the opportunity to connect with people from cultures different from my own. I’ve always believed that understanding begins with listening—and this experience only deepened that belief. From clinical settings to community engagements, every interaction taught me something new—not just about others, but about the richness of perspective and the diverse values that shape what we hold dear in life.
Working alongside passionate healthcare professionals and dedicated community members revealed the power of humility, resilience, and shared purpose. This internship didn’t just expand my clinical insight—it opened my heart and mind in ways I never could have anticipated.
Romy Bleier
Psychology & Mental Health Care Volunteer
Spending two weeks at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital was undeniably a transformative experience. The staff at the hospital extended an extraordinary level of kindness and warmth. I acquired a wealth of invaluable experience, including engaging with patients in the wards, participating in counseling sessions, and attending Narcotics Anonymous and Anger Management meetings. Ankaful provided me with the opportunity to delve into diverse facets of psychology, allowing me to customize my schedule to focus on the areas that captivated my interest most. This experience afforded me a profound understanding of mental disorders that transcended the theoretical frameworks and symptomatology outlined in the DSM.
Beyond the program, I also had the opportunity to explore Cape Coast and its surrounding areas during my leisure time. I visited various markets, Kakum National Park, and the historic Elmina Castle, which allowed me to delve into the rich tapestry of Ghanaian history and culture. This experience was truly unforgettable, and I find myself wishing I had the chance to extend my stay, as two weeks proved to be far too brief.
Ella Hennessy
Psychology & Mental Health Care Volunteer
I had the absolute privilege of volunteering at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital for two weeks in June, and I can confidently say it was a truly transformative experience — both personally and professionally.
Having recently completed my third year studying Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, I was eager to gain deeper insight into the field of clinical psychology. This placement offered exactly that, and so much more. I was granted invaluable, first-hand exposure to clinical practice that would be difficult to access in the UK. This included observing and participating in counselling sessions with patients experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and depression.
In addition, I had the opportunity to attend both the weekly and monthly departmental meetings, offering a rare and enriching perspective on the inner workings of the Counselling Department. This included the team’s ongoing projects and service improvement efforts. Throughout my time there, I was warmly welcomed, encouraged to contribute, and treated as a valued member of the team.
One of the standout aspects of this placement is its flexibility. The programme offers a variety of streams, allowing each volunteer to tailor their experience to their interests and career goals. Although I was initially nervous about creating my own schedule, the team was incredibly supportive, and the process was seamless thanks to their guidance and encouragement.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this placement to anyone seeking meaningful clinical experience in a supportive, educational, and culturally rich environment.
Asta Nyborg
Psychology and Mental health volunteer in Ghana University of Edinburgh. Scotland
Spending a two week clinical placement at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital as a master’s student in Psychological Therapies was an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience. It allowed me to engage with aspects of psychiatry and mental health care that I had not previously encountered in my academic or clinical journey.
During my time at Ankaful, I had the opportunity to observe in Narcotics Anonymous meetings, which offered powerful insights into addiction recovery in a communal, peer-supported environment. I was also welcomed into the occupational therapy team, where I shadowed and contributed to patient assessments. This experience broadened my understanding of holistic, multidisciplinary care in mental health.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my placement was being invited to co-lead therapy sessions within the counselling department allowing me to share my growing knowledge of CBT as a trainee therapist. This hands-on involvement allowed me to apply therapeutic principles in a real-world context and develop greater confidence in my clinical communication and facilitation skills.
Yet, what made the placement especially impactful was the openness of the staff, who were consistently warm, supportive, and willing to share their expertise. I was encouraged to tailor my experience to my specific interests, which helped deepen my engagement and learning throughout the placement.
Outside of the hospital, I also had the chance to explore Cape Coast and its surrounding areas, including visits to Kakum National Park and the historic Cape Coast Castle. These excursions enriched my understanding of Ghanaian culture and history, making the experience both professionally and personally unforgettable.
My time at Ankaful has left a lasting impression, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute in such a dynamic and welcoming environment.
