A PSYCHOLOGY student from Ardrossan is raising money so that she can got to Sri Lanka for five weeks to help people traumatised by disaster and civil war.

Aimee Ferguson, 21, is a third year student at Strathclyde University and needs to raise around £2,000 to take part in SLV Global’s Mental Health Placement.

The former Ardrossan Academy pupil told the Herald: “It’s something I’m really passionate about and to be able to have this opportunity, the chance to do something I love, will be amazing. 

“They’re still feeling the effects of the tsunami and a civil war in Sri Lanka so there are a lot of people with psychological issues but they don’t have the resources over there so it would be great to provide that help for them.

“Obviously it is a job and it’ll be hard going but it’s something that I enjoy. 

“Hopefully it will send me in good stead to get a good job back here in the future.”

SLV Global provides psychology students and graduates from around the world the opportunity to gain experience in the mental health sector whilst being immersed in another culture. 

As a volunteer with the organisation, Aimee will be working at eight different projects in Sri Lanka, including running activities for people with special needs, teaching English to children and young people, and running therapeutic activities at a psychiatric facility. 

To help raise funds, Aimee is holding a prize bingo at Ardrossan’s Whitlees Centre on March 31, eyes down 8pm. 

Bingo books can be bought on the door for £6. 

There will be a raffle, tea/ coffee, cakes and sandwiches.