Support local psychiatric home in their bid to raise awareness for mental health

Ebenezer Psychiatric Home is inviting community members to participate in their annual Bell of Hope charity ride and fun run for mental health awareness on May 5 at the Valverde Eco Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind.

Mental health is the biggest part of our lives, and according to research, it affects 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers, and 13% of children each year.

Ebenezer is a licensed NPO that houses fully functional mentally ill adults who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and currently has 25 adults between the ages of 23 and 72 in their care.

According to Kerry van Buddenbrock and Ashely Nunan, the organisation’s fundraisers, this event is for restoring hope, motivation, maintenance, and buying crafting materials for the adults in the home.

“We are dependent on the government for monthly bed subsidies to help cover the costs of our home; however, these funds often fall short and are at times late [sometimes two to three months]. To help sustain the home, we rely on donations and assistance from the public and corporate sectors to help fill the financial obligations that keep the home open and functional,” they said.

This event aims to raise mental health awareness among residents and also raise funds that will ensure that the adults in the house are well taken care of and have sufficient basic needs.

The ride will include a 50km and a 15km cycle as well as a 10km and a 5km run. Residents are encouraged to enter through www.entryninja.com. The first 100 entries will get two sets of bicycle brake pads, and there will be a sports prize on the day.