A CARING and selfless student has been granted a scholarship to carry out voluntary work in Sri Lanka.

First year psychology student, Chantal Vinyard, will travel to the island country in south Asia after being awarded £750 by the University of Worcester’s Scholarship Panel.

The award comes after the 30-year-old was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year and the 200 Hours Exceptional Attainment in Volunteering award at this year’s Worcester Students’ Union Volunteering and Society Awards.

Ms Vinyard said: “I feel very fortunate that the University of Worcester is so supportive of students’ extra-curricular activities, and have helped me to take this exciting opportunity to live and work in a different culture.

“It will be fantastic to gain first-hand observation and experience in the treatment and care of vulnerable people and those with mental health issues in Sri Lanka.”

The grant will cover her travel expenses and the four-week placement in June will see her working in psychiatric hospitals and residential centres for people with mental health disorders, as well as teaching and running activities with children at centres for people with special needs.

Her work in improving the student experience at Worcester has also been recognised with the Student Academic Representative of the Year for the Institute of Heath and Society award and Gold Accreditation for her exceptional work.

Ms Vinyard has clocked up hour upon hour of voluntary work for the Samaritans and Maggs Day Centre, Deansway, Worcester, as well as advising young people how deal with difficulties as an online life mentor at Mindfull.org.

She will also combine her studies with her work as the newly appointed role of institute representative, the chairman of the Psychology Students’ Society, and the first ever elected Students’ Union Women’s Officer in the next academic year.