Gauteng MEC praises Little Eden
“Through a holistic care programme, we are able to work with each individual at their functioning level thereby assisting them to reach their full potential, whatever it may be.”
Gauteng MEC for Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa recently identified Little Eden Society as an organisation which provides world-class care for people with profound intellectual disability.
The MEC made the statement while addressing an audience at the society during the launch of Mental Health Awareness month, October.
For the past 51 years, the society has cared for people with profound intellectual disability and mental illness.
Staff ensure the care provided to individuals goes over and above merely providing shelter and meals.
Nichollette Muthige, public relations and communications officer of the society said the society requires an understanding of each individual’s needs.
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She said holistic care is provided by ensuring the residents’ medical, stimulation, social and spiritual needs are met.
“Through a holistic care programme, we are able to work with each individual at their functioning level thereby assisting them to reach their full potential, whatever it may be.”
Nichollette said the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month was young people and mental health.
“This important initiative and effort help shine a light on some of the matters that can affect or have an impact on one’s mental health and the overall care required by those who live with mental illnesses.”
She said the stigma attached to mental illness, increasing suicide rate, the number of babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome, proves that a lot of work still needs to be done.
One way in which more awareness can be generated includes advocacy and educating communities about mental health.
Nichollette said 80 per cent of the society’s 300 residents were abandoned while others came from families which could not afford to care for them.
Ages of the residents range from four to 68.
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“The average chronological age of the residents at the Home is 26 years, but the level of mental functioning is that of a one-year-old or younger,” said Nichollette.
To support the residents and provide the right care requires resource support.
Like many other non-governmental organisations, it relies on funding from government and donations from corporates and individuals.
“People suffering from mental illness are people too and they have value,” said Nichollette.
“The community is obliged to find ways to assist them whenever possible.”
The society is a registered non-profit organisation (001-827 NPO) and is registered with the Gauteng Department of Mental Health.
It has a home in Edenvale and in Bapsfontein.
Currently, it costs the society R12 500 to care for one resident per month.
The shortfall is raised by the organisation through its valued donors, the second-hand shop operation, events and sale of pecan nuts grown at the Bapsfontein home.
Contact Little Eden on 011 609 7246 to assist.
