About Me
Hello, my name is Jodie, I am a final year occupational therapy student at the University of Derby, and I have an amazing opportunity upcoming! I have been lucky enough to secure a partially funded place on a life-changing interprofessional humanitarian mobility to Kathmandu in Nepal. I will be delivering healthcare outreach activities, in conjunction with a small group of adult nursing students and staff, working collaboratively to improve individuals’ quality of life.
I began my career as a Teaching and Learning Assistant in schools, predominantly supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, where I developed a passion for supporting individuals’ development and helped them to achieve their full potential, which was incredibly rewarding as it enabled me to make a real difference.
This led me to embark upon my occupational therapy journey in 2022, which has allowed me to deepen and expand my knowledge and skills from my previous work in schools. I aspire to make a meaningful impact across the lifespan, working with diverse individuals and populations, supporting them to live their best lives by overcoming challenges, helping them to navigate everyday life and engage in meaningful and valued occupations, performing activities which are key to their health and wellbeing. A career in occupational therapy offers variety, purpose and immense job satisfaction!
As part of my studies, I am expected to complete a range of modules and assessments, alongside completing over 1,000 hours of clinical practice. I have completed all three of my placements, which included working in:
1. Rampton High Secure Psychiatric Forensic Mental Health Hospital
2. Paediatric Specialist School Provision (role-emerging placement in a non-traditional setting with a long-arm educator)
3. Community Physical Health Team
I currently have three modules running, with the upcoming assessments due in before the end of May which include:
1.Specialisms in Practice (Sport and Leisure)
2. Future Focused Practice
3. Research Design
My academic background and hands-on experience in occupational therapy have equipped me with the skills to improve individuals' quality of life, even in resource-limited settings.
This opportunity would allow me to grow both personally and professionally, while pursuing my passion for travel. The focus on cultural immersion, educational planning, public health outreaches, and disability support aligns with my goals, and it would enable me to learn from local communities to better understand their needs and values.
With a packed schedule and a clear mission ahead, I am now seeking to fundraise to get me to Nepal and give back in a meaningful way.
About the Project
📌 Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
🗓️ Dates: 31st May 2025 to 30th June 2025
Unprecedented flash floods and landslides in Kathmandu, during the Monsoon season last September 2024, claimed the lives of over 200 people, damaging hundreds of houses, schools and hospitals, devastating communities.
I am aiming to make a positive impact and meaningful difference, supporting individuals in underserved communities who are facing occupational injustices. During this trip, I will be working closely with local experts, other professionals, and volunteers on a variety of outreach activities. The focus will be on raising health and hygiene awareness, conducting basic medical checks, offering support to those with disabilities, and helping with public health improvements in partnership with the local community.
Any donations will go a long way in supporting this mission and will be substantially appreciated. Should I be successful in achieving more donations than I require to go to Nepal, I will donate any additional funds directly to a nutritional rehabilitation centre that treats severely malnourished children and mothers in Kathmandu, one of the very places we will be supporting during our outreach efforts.
Every contribution, big or small, will make a lasting impact. Thank you for helping me bring healthcare to those who need it most!