Parents of mental health children encouraged to stop hiding their children
The centre aims to encourage parents not to hide their children away from the public, but to give them a chance to explore their different talents and skills.
The North Gauteng Mental Health Society pleaded with the parents of children living with mental health issues to take their children to the newly opened Nellmapius special care centre (SCC).
North Gauteng Mental Health Society director Moses Mahlangu said the centre has not been officially opened yet because of Covid-19.
It does, however, offer some services to with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and down syndrome.
“We strive to be a dynamic organisation, which serves as an effective resource to empower people to attain optimal well-being and quality of life,” said Mahlangu.
The centre aims to encourage parents not to hide their children away from the public, but to give them a chance to explore their different talents and skills.
“As the centre we don’t believe that children and people who have mental health issues are unable to do something about their lives,” said Mahlangu.
“We are working with children from the age of 3 years and adults too,” he said.
Mahlangu added that they are working closely with social workers and the centre has lots of activities.
Activities at the centre includes:
– Feeding and toilet training skills,
– Sensory and motor stimulation,
– Exploratory play, arts and craft, games storytelling
– Physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
He said the centre offers free services.
It also hosts awareness campaigns about mental health and workshops aimed at educating the public.
“Parents should not be ashamed; the centre offers different services aimed at helping them to come out and do something about their lives,” said Mahlangu.
“The centre also helps children to develop skills and we are linked with organisations and companies that can help them find jobs.
“We are trying to build youth with mental health into successful business people,” he said.
“The families and the community must treat mental health with dignity because they are also humans.”
The centre is open five days a week from Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 16:00.
To find out more about the centre, call Rinah Semadi on 012-332-3927 or 071-613-0502.
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