Trust LifeLine Nelspruit in your hour of need

As we acknowledge World Mental Health Awareness Month, Riverside CID, together with LifeLine Nelspruit, joined hands in an effort to drive a #MentalHealthMatters Movement within the community.

“As a CID, we envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and where everyone can access the mental healthcare they need,” said Jessica Prim, marketing co-ordinator for the precinct, who is advocating for the cause as a Mrs Mpumalanga semifinalist.

At a recent activation of this movement, LifeLine Nelspruit social worker Annah Masvikeni spoke to the work-integrated learning hospitality and tourism management students currently enrolled at the University of Mpumalanga. She educated the students about mental health and how to identify the physical symptoms, as well as how to navigate through what they might be feeling.

She also shared practical guidelines on how to get the professional help they need should they feel overwhelmed and mentally strained. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and job stress, are common and usually affect individuals, families and co-workers, as well as the broader community.

In addition, it has a direct impact on workplace productivity through increased productivity. Very few people seek treatment for their mental disorders due to the stigma they are afraid they will have to bear if they speak out.

Mental health problems are the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, social and environmental factors, but it is treatable and preventable, as there are trained professionals who are able to provide adequate mental healthcare. Born from a need for community members to have access to a 24-hour telephonic service that can assist them to address the psychological and social stresses or trauma that they are struggling to deal with, LifeLine was established in 1970.

LifeLine Nelspruit is situated in Hope Street and currently provides a range of services to the community. The phycologists and social workers at LifeLine Nelspruit offer the following counselling services: trauma support and counselling to individuals, groups and companies; HIV and Aids counselling with pre- and post-test counselling and ongoing supportive counselling for people who test HIV-positive; grief, bereavement and loss counselling; as well as gender-based violence counselling.

They also facilitate employee wellness programmes for company staff who may need to debrief from a traumatic experience. These services have been enjoyed by many local companies in the Lowveld that can testify to the difference they made. The director, Annriette Slabber, leads the team at LifeLine Nelspruit with heart and passion. She bravely steers the ship, despite the challenges that the centre faces.

As an NPO, it relies hugely on public good-will funding to provide the essential services. Due to the current economic environment, donations and funding have not been forthcoming. “We have made a commitment as a team to do all we can to continue to provide the support that anyone who reaches out telephonically or physically comes to the centre needs,” said Slabber.

If there is anyone who would like to make a donation or provide assistance with funding, please make contact with her on
082 554 1182. The NPO is registered and compliant in all aspects.

If anyone is suffering from mental health issues, it is important to know help is available. Make use of the following contact details: Dial the counselling number, any time of the day or night, every day of the year: 072 513 5915.