Fun walk promotes mental health awareness in Standerton
The aim was to educate the community about mental health challenges and inform people about where they can access assistance.
The Mpumalanga Mental Health Society hosted a fun walk in Standerton on October 27 to raise awareness about mental health and encourage community members to seek support when needed.
Margaret Mogotho, a social worker at the organisation, said the main aim was to educate the community about mental health challenges and inform people about where they can access assistance.
“While working together with other stakeholders, such as the Lekwa Disability Forum, we also encourage parents to stop hiding children with disabilities and instead take them to stimulation centres through caregivers,” said Mogotho.
She added that the organisation also conducts outreach programmes at schools to address various challenges affecting learners.
These include bullying, substance abuse, carrying weapons, disrespect towards teachers, neglect, academic difficulties and signs of stress.
Mogotho said the programme begins with a mental health awareness session during the school assembly, followed by an intake process to identify learners who may need assistance.
Individual support sessions are ongoing, while group interventions are planned where necessary.
The support also extends to learners’ families and homes to help identify and address the underlying causes of their challenges.
“The aim is to understand and address the underlying challenges affecting learners, while equipping them with information, coping skills and stress management strategies,” she said.
The organisation also encourages parents and other stakeholders to work together to support learners and promote mental well-being in schools and communities.
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