Because encouraging young minds to feel safer in unpacking psychological and social concerns is a big step toward a community enveloped in mental health support!
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa (12 September 2023) — As psychosocial support continues to get the green flag of importance across institutions the world over, a support structure in Jeffreys Bay has stepped in to help students understand the power of opening up.
Psychosocial support, the meeting place of psychological impact and social circumstances, is incredibly important for growing minds; especially those who may not have access to help like this in their immediate circles.
Jbay Trauma Support Centre has launched a psychosocial support programme in the hopes of building safe spaces for complicated feelings and experiences. The programme is for school students; aimed at a range of ages and topics relevant to their lives, specifically for the Thornhill community.
Recently, over 60 Thornhill Primary School learners and their teachers were welcomed to a wealth of psychosocial support in the form of a workshop. Entitled ‘Suicidal Thoughts and the Role of Positive Role Modes in One’s Life’, the intervention programme was inspired by the desire to help students feel safe opening up as well as to prevent heartbreaking moments in the community by empowering young people with guidance.
“Children in our local communities are often faced with complex challenges, underlining the importance of creating safe spaces so that they can get the help they need. These workshops raise awareness on critical social issues and provide children with vital information, ” shared Nonini Makhothe, Jeffreys Bay community member and Economic Development Specialist.
Lwanele Mbenya, a psychosocial support volunteer based at Thornhill Primary School adds:
“The alarming increase in teen suicides in the Kouga region informed the motivation behind this workshop. Our aim is to encourage learners to open up about their thoughts and feelings, especially if they are experiencing any form of emotional distress.
“We hope that this workshop will empower learners to seek help from trusted individuals.”
Further interventions that target grade 3 learners at Thornhill Primary School have been confirmed, forming part of the same programme with the focus being on school attendance.
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