THE New Germany library recently conducted a Mental Health Awareness programme which sought to promote mental well-being by educating the local community.

Librarian Nosipho Mahomed said mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

“As libraries, we do not promote reading and books only but we also have a great interest in informing and educating our community through such initiatives, which promote mental well-being through educating the community. It is important that the community understands the emotional and psychological impact mental health has in our daily lives,” said Mahomed.

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She added that the programme also aimed at destigmatising mental health concerns, and informing the community about the prevalence of mental health issues and the importance of getting treatment.

“We formed a partnership with different stakeholders who are the Association of Dementia and Alzheimers of SA, which was represented by Nokuthula Zindela, and the St Joseph Hospital, and psychology graduate Saiyushka Chetty,” said Mahomed.

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