'I have always been interested in mental health. While I was studying for my degree, I volunteered for a student helpline, and I have also done placements at psychological services in the UK and Hong Kong.
I learnt that culture plays a significant role in a person’s response to mental health problems. In Asian countries, many people don’t speak openly about their mental health because they are afraid of the stigma and discrimination from those around them. However, conducting research to evaluate psychosis treatments in the UK made me realise that stigma is still a big problem in this country as well.
When someone recommended the Think Ahead programme to me, it stood out because of its clear focus on mental health. The Think Ahead attributes, such as leadership and motivation, also really appealed to me.
I had considered other frontline roles in mental health but many services can only provide limited support, and I wanted to be able to support people more holistically.
A social worker’s role addresses many of the issues that affect a person’s wellbeing – such as their work, their family structure and their social life. That’s what’s great about social work: you see the whole person. You treat them as an individual and let them be heard.'
Find out more about the work Think Ahead do here.