Educating the community about intellectual disabilities and mental health

The San Michele Home in Withok Estates, an NPO that accommodates intellectually and physically disabled people, joined forces with the Ekurhuleni Health District recently to conduct screenings.

Community members received access to services such as blood pressure- and mental health screening.

The goal of the day was to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and to make community members aware that help is available should they face mental health problems.

“We have referred people to professionals who can help them. We have occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and the matron from San Michele Home,” said Pulane Mbele, the marketing manager for San Michele.

“We don’t want anyone who has mental health issues roaming the streets with no help. Everyone has the right to receive medical help.”

Mbele explained how mentally challenged children may not develop academically at the same rate as other children in their age groups. She clarified it does not mean they are not smart.

“Some children are committing suicide because they are not being assisted enough, as they cannot cope with the syllabus used in schools. Some places can provide aid for these children,” she said.

She revealed that there were doctors who access intellectually disabled children in Dunnottar and at Tsakane Clinic.

San Michele accommodated adults from 18 to 52 years old. Occupational therapists, handcrafting activities, and different sports are available at the home.

ALSO CHECK: Red Cross ‘walk for change’ is around the corner

“We work with South African Special Olympics, and we have a patient who went to Germany where he obtained a fourth place in golf,” Mbele said.

During the outreach, the mental health coordinator from the Ekurhuleni Health District, Mapaseka Nkomonde, was scouting for community members, encouraging them to get screened.

“We have centres available to provide intervention and support, but the community at large does not understand what services we cater for,” Nkomonde explained.

“Today is an opportunity for us to enhance and resuscitate the information within the community,” she added.

Nkomonde mentioned there were still stigmas around mental health, but they were working to break through them.

The matron from San Michele, Sonja Raman, supported this statement by saying that some people have misconceptions about intellectual disabilities.

“When someone is mentally challenged, instead of taking them to the doctor, some people will see it as a spiritual issue, or they will take them to church to pray for them instead of getting professional help for them,” she said.

Raman explained these stigmas are harmful, and mentally challenged people should get treatment and professional help.

Mbele explained the home needs sponsors and donations.

“The government subsidises the centre, but the subsidy only covers 70% of our running costs. We need sponsors because we have 230 patients and half of our patients do not have families. Should the patient die, it is our responsibility to bury them,” she revealed.

Mbele says the centre could use any donation, whether money, food or clothes, especially underwear for women.
Anyone who would like to help the centre may contact Mbele on 067 101 6800 or 010 010 0891.