Full name: Yauvani Sudarshan 

University: The University of Hong Kong

University contact: HKU Horizons Office, horizons@hku.hk

Title: Mental Health Toolkit 

The organisation/charity you are working with: Think Pacific 

Organisation contact person: Naomi Young ; cxcommy@gmail.com

The need or cause you are supporting: Mental Health 

Goal

To create a self-care mental health toolkit for family members , carers and guardians of those with psychosocial disabilities in Fiji. 

Objectives

1. Understand the main causes of mental illnesses and disorders within the Fijian population.
2. Increase awareness about mental health in Fiji. 
3. Foster collaboration between Think Pacific and the Psychiatric Survivors Association (PSA) in Fiji and the Mirror Project in Hong Kong. 
4. Create a manual for for PSA instructors for easy use and explanation to people.
5. Empower individuals and communities to understand their own and others' mental health. 

Challenges

1. Limited awareness and understanding of mental health issues in Fiji
2. Inability to conduct research in person due to the pandemic 
3. Lack of resources.

Ideas to overcome challenges

1. Conduct research on mental health issues in Fiji both through academic avenues and through our supervisors 

2. Learn as much about Fiji as possible through the online sessions to gain an understanding and appreciation for the community. 

3. A little goes a long way. What is the most effective thing that can be done given the financial and time constraints? 

Milestones per week

Week 1

Learning about Fiji and meeting with PSA. 

Week 2

Understanding the causes of mental health issues in Fiji and the importance of cultural fluency. 

Week 3

Learning about how to maintain a positive mindset, the significance of Fijian handcraft and the role of youth in terms of advocacy in Fiji. Start research and brainstorm for project. 

Week 4

Gained knowledge about how local issues can be solved and was lucky enough to listen to Fijian music. Assign and start tasks for the project.

Week 5

Training on how to give and receive feedback and information session on the livelihood of Fijian people. Discussion on the work that has been done and work that needs to get done for the project. 

Week 6

Polishing up toolkit, receiving feedback from mentors and presenting it.