Heal South Africa
Mental Health Re-imagined" is a project focusing on providing free online mental health services and advocating for mental health rights, particularly for youth suffering from mental illness in multiple cities across South Africa
Project Goal
The project aims to make mental wellness accessible and culturally appropriate, addressing psycho-social needs of those who cannot afford services, and advocating for the rights of individuals with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities in Gauteng Province.
Project Team
Project Lead: Ms. Mpadi Busisiwe Makgalo.She lead the project in its mission to provide culturally appropriate mental health services.
Top Achievements
Online Counseling:Â Counseled 541 people online in Q1 2024, exceeding the target of 261. Provided support for various mental health needs including stress, anxiety, and depression.
School Outreach:Â Conducted Mental Health Training Workshops in two schools, reaching 3,189 pupils. Focused on teen suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Support Groups:Â Established 4 Mental Health Support Groups with 49 participants aged 18-35. Created safe spaces for sharing experiences and learning coping mechanisms.
Ambassador Training:Â Trained 18 Mental Health Ambassadors for community outreach. Empowered local leaders to promote mental health awareness and support.
Key Learnings
High Demand:Â Observed high demand for online counseling services, exceeding project targets. Highlighted the need for accessible mental health support in the community.
Cultural Relevance:Â Recognized importance of culturally appropriate mental health support. Tailored services to meet the specific needs of Black women and youth.
Group Effectiveness:Â Noted effectiveness of community-based support groups. Provided valuable resources for various mental health challenges.
Retention Challenges:Â Identified challenges in retaining support group participants. Highlighted need for strategies to maintain consistent attendance.
Documentation Gaps:Â Recognized need for improved documentation from facilitators. Emphasized importance of evidence collection for quality control.
Future Plans
Service Expansion:Â Scaling up online counseling services to meet the high demand. Aiming to reach more individuals in need of mental health support.
Group Strengthening:Â Strengthening the Mental Health Support Groups program. Focusing on improving facilitation and participant engagement.
Retention Strategies:Â Developing strategies to improve participant retention in support groups. Exploring ways to maintain consistent attendance and engagement.
Facilitator Development:Â Enhancing training for facilitators, particularly in documentation and group management. Improving skills in record-keeping and support group facilitation.
School Programs:Â Expanding school-based mental health awareness programs. Building on successful workshops to reach more students and educational institutions.