Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital engages West Rand learners ahead of exams
Healthcare teams visited Mohlakeng and Bekkersdal secondary schools to provide mental health guidance and life skills support.
Representatives from Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital recently visited young people to offer guidance ahead of their exams. The two-day campaign, held at Thuto-Lehakwe Secondary School in Mohlakeng and Kgothalang Secondary School in Bekkersdal, targeted teenagers facing various life challenges, including the Grade 12 examinations.
According to the hospital’s communications officer, Puseletso Mabidikame, the initiative was launched in response to a concerningly high number of suicide attempts among teenagers and learners in recent months.
“Over the past few months, we have observed a worrying increase in incidents involving minors attempting to take their own lives. This situation highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, early intervention, and access to appropriate psychosocial support for learners.”
Teams outline community mental health services
Mabidikame added that the integrated approach included teams from LifeLine and Mental Health, alongside a professional psychologist from West Rand District Health, who outlined the mental health services provided and explained how to access them within the community.
Do you need help? Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (SADAG) Suicide Crisis Hotline on 0800 567 567 or visit their website at https://www.sadag.org/ for more details.
