Mental health is a fundemental human right
The event was also meant to educate elderly people about mental health issues.
In commemoration of Human Rights Day, Joe Gqabi Integrated Development Centre held a panel discussion on mental wellbeing to raise public awareness about mental health on March 20, at Protea Glen EXT 11.
The mental wellness event included stakeholders such as Phola Healing the Nation, Community Health Workers (CHW), Social Development, Parliament Constituency Office (PCO), SASSA, COPESA, Old Mutual, Shoprite and ABSA Bank.
According to centre manager at Joe Gqabi, Linda Mngambi, the purpose of the programme was to educate the general public about mental health and support those who have been diagnosed with it.
ALSO READ: SADAG celebrates three years of making mental health matter
The event was also meant to educate elderly people about mental health issues.
“Since being mentally and physically well is a fundamental human right and we are commemorating Human Rights Day this month, we have chosen to conduct today’s event in the hopes that many people will find value in the information we have provided,” said Mngambi.
Thulisile Motshweni who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 12 shared her journey with the audience in an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in black communities.
“Being a person with bipolar disorder, I am aware of the stigma and misinformation that exist in the community. I came here to share my story in order to help others understand and relate to me as well as to receive support.
“There are many people in black communities who have been diagnosed with mental illness, and most of the time people don’t understand them because they lack knowledge,” said Motshweni.
Refilwe Lichaba from Phola Healing the Nation, an organisation with a primary focus on mental health and psychosocial issues said the organisation will offer counselling to senior citizens who are suffering from mental diseases.
“We are here today to support our elderly citizens because, as we all know, they are extremely vulnerable and in need of this kind of support.
“We at Phola have interventions that can assist them in this regard. We have chosen to provide our services to them because, in addition to wanting to help them, we also know that now is the right time to do so,” said Lichaba.
ALSO READ: Sadag urges locals to support the LGBTQIAP+ for mental health
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the stakeholders, ask questions, and receive gifts for their thoughtful inquiries.
“Today’s programme has helped us identify organisations that we can collaborate with to effect change, particularly with regards to mental health concerns.
“We have also found organisations that we can collaborate with to provide patient care, as our programme often calls for it,” said Leticia Mashinini from the Protea Glen Clinic.
