NPO in Sakhile reaches out to troubled youth
“It has led to a high rate in school dropouts, homelessness, unemployment and broken relationships,” Ms Mtshweni said.
Ms Andiswa Mtshweni and Ms Phindile Mbatha, social workers from an NPO in Sakhile, visited the Standerton Advertiser on Wednesday, 21 October to convey their involvement with burning issues in society.
They manage an office at the Thusong Centre, at the intersection of Hlongwane Drive and Palmer Street, specialising in mental health among the youth.
Their organisation, the Mpumalanga Mental Health Society, realised the soaring rate of substance abuse among young people.
“It has led to a high rate in school dropouts, homelessness, unemployment and broken relationships,” Ms Mtshweni said.
According to her, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and substance induced psychotic disorder occur.
Commonly used drugs are crystal meth, mandrax, nyope and weed.
“We refer them to the Standerton Hospital, but transport remains a problem,” she also said.
Other services include teaching families about treatment, assistance with applications for social grant, assistance with applications to rehabilitation centres, and home visits.
The organisation takes into account factors such as clients being a danger to the community or themselves and behavioural problems.
“We acknowledge that some people use drugs as an escape or coping mechanism when dealing with social ills,” Ms Mtshweni added.
