UEA staff from the Clinical Psychology Doctoral programme (ClinPsyD) have been working in partnership with mental health organisation Samutthana since 2022.

Samutthana, which means rejuvenation in Sanskrit, is an organisation that seeks to support capacity building in mental health services in Sri Lanka.

This partnership working has culminated in the development of new international placement provision for UEA students to experience working with mental health services, NGOs and charitable organisations in Sri Lanka, with the overall aim being to support such capacity building and offer a reciprocal exchange of skills and learning.

This collaborative working in mental health provision mirrors the arrangements that the University’s ClinPsyD programme has established with many other partner organisations in Southeast Asia and Australia across the last nine years, with formal memorandums of understanding recognising these relationships.

Visit to Sri Lanka for initial scoping

In March 2024, Prof Sian Coker, FMH Associate Dean for Internationalisation, and Dr Amy Carroll from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology visited Sri Lanka, to give presentations on proposed plans to the Ministry of Health, and to potential placement providers in Colombo and its surrounds, Kandy, and Jaffna.

Together with colleagues from Samutthana, Prof Coker and Dr Carroll visited multiple placement sites in these locations and were extremely grateful to colleagues in these organisations for their time and warm reception to their ideas. The final meeting of this visit was with Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner (BHC) for Sri Lanka, who offered his support for these developments and asked to remain informed on progress.

Image caption: UEA staff and colleagues from Samutthana at the initial meeting with the British High Commissioner

International opportunities for student placements

Shortly afterwards in July this year, staff on the ClinPsyD programme were able to send UEA student Roseanna Bridge on placement with colleagues from the following organisations: Ayati, Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Family Rehabilitation Centre.

Initially based in Colombo, the placement later extended to services in Jaffna, in the north of Sri Lanka.

Speaking on their positive experience, Roseanna said: “The placement in Sri Lanka provided an insightful opportunity to learn about mental health in another culture.

“I was able to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology to upskill non-psychology professionals and collaborate with other psychologists, to develop guidance which was both evidence-based and culturally appropriate. This placement allowed me to consider global mental health and the role of a Clinical Psychologist more broadly.”

This was echoed by Dr Isuri Roche Dharmaratne, CEO of Samutthana, who highlighted the joint working with UEA: “Together, UEA and Samutthana formed a solid partnership that is not only meeting goals but also building collaboration, trust, and shared experiences, a testimonial to the experiences shared by [Roseanna].

“The placement facilitated the link between academic knowledge, real-world experience and addressing cultural differences.”

A continuing partnership

Many of the colleagues from organisations that facilitated these placement opportunities were invited to an event hosted by Andrew Patrick at the BHC in Colombo, to celebrate this partnership working and the end of the highly successful placement.

Image caption: UEA student Roseanna Bridge at the celebratory event at the British High Commission 

Prof Coker and Dr Carroll commented: “As the partnership develops, we anticipate an extension of our collaborative work. The pathways established this year, will continue next year and beyond, bringing mutual benefits to UEA students and mental health services in Sri Lanka. A fitting way to celebrate this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October.”

Steven McGuire, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, said: “This is a wonderful collaboration that addresses so many important aspects of UEA’s work. The partnership enables our students to participate in development opportunities in several countries, enhance their skills, and address a significant health challenge.

“It is also pleasing to see how this work is underpinned by an excellent relationship with the NGO, Samutthana. The model of collaboration is truly international, and I congratulate the course team on their efforts and their success.”