Vaishnavi Pillai

A caring and adaptable postgraduate psychology student with hands-on experience supporting vulnerable individuals, including children and young people, through one-to-one engagement, structured activities and emotional support. Skilled in building rapport, active listening and creating a calm, supportive environment. Currently completing a BPS-accredited Master's in Psychological Science, bringing a strong understanding of wellbeing, communication and behaviour to person-centred care.

Committed to enhancing quality of life for residents through engaging, meaningful activities.

Young Witness Support Volunteer at NSPCC (2025-01 – Present)

• Provide emotional support to young witnesses preparing for and going through the court process, helping them understand what to expect and feel more at ease.
• Build trusting relationships with children and young people in a sensitive, safeguarding-aware environment, adapting communication to each individual's age and needs.
• Work alongside professionals from the justice and safeguarding system, demonstrating reliability and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Volunteer at Embrace Autism (2023-03 – 2023-07)

• Supported a family with a 7-year-old child on the autism spectrum through regular one-to-one sessions.
• Planned and delivered engaging activities, including songs and verbal exercises, to support social skills and communication development, observing and adapting to the child's responses.
• Provided a consistent, supportive presence, helping to create a calm and encouraging environment for learning.

Partner Success Intern at Zoala (2024-10 – 2024-12)

• Created mental health content aimed at supporting the wellbeing of students and teachers.
• Analysed customer/user issues to develop guidance materials that enhanced overall experience.
• Participated proactively in problem-solving discussions, contributing to practical, person-centred solutions.

Fundraising Volunteer at Charisma Movement (Mammals4Mammals) (2021-07 – 2021-08)

• Took part in structured, coached physical challenges to raise funds for animal welfare, working as part of a team under guidance from a trainer.

Fundraiser and Runner at 24 Hour Race (2019-11 – 2019-11)

• Contributed to a team fundraising event, demonstrating commitment, resilience and reliability.

MSc in Psychological Science (Conversion) – Queen's University Belfast (2025-09)

Pre-Master in Social Science – Queen's International Study Centre (2025-01 – 2025-08)

BSc in Psychological Science – James Cook University (2021-11 – 2024-03)

A-Levels – Tenby International School Setia Eco Park (2019-09 – 2021-08)