Organisations walk Lydenburg’s streets to raise mental health awareness
Several organisations and schools joined hands to raise awareness for mental illness and other disabilities.
Wenakker, Estralita Special School, Impumelelo Disability Forum and Ama-Wheelies took to the streets of Lydenburg on Friday October 29. This was an opportunity for these organisations to support one another while doing something fun.
Wenakker, for instance, has permanent adult residents who have intellectual disabilities. At Ama-Wheelies, people who use wheelchairs are provided with a safe haven at which to live permanently or visit during the day.
These organisations either teach learners or have residents with various types of disabilities.
The awareness campaign was organised by two social workers, Thapelo Marobane and Mathediso Sebulele, of the Mpumalanga Mental Health Society.
“The motorists waved at us and made us feel special. There was such a giving spirit among the public along the route. A street vendor even handed out bananas to the children. We also want to thank Otees Cash and Carry, and Oasis for donating water and cold drinks to everyone,” said Sebulele.
She said the goal of the day was to show these organisations that they are loved and accepted by the residents of Lydenburg.
“Our children at Estralita do not all have mental health problems specifically, but this day made it possible for them to interact with the public. They were also able to see that some of the adults are living with the same disabilities they have. These adults are very positive about life and they should be too,” said Hanlie Swanepoel, the principal of Estralita.
For more information about the Mpumalanga Mental Health Society, visit the offices on the corner of Voortrekker and De Clerq streets, Lydenburg or phone Sebulele on 081 424 0581.
The organisers hope this can become an annual event to include more organisations and schools in the area.
