Delmore Gardens in Boksburg became the focal point for an important conversation: youth mental health and suicide prevention on Friday.
Organised by the local non-profit Youth Breaking Barriers, the Suicide Prevention and Youth Empowerment Day aimed to educate young people about the importance of mental health awareness, provide coping strategies, and introduce alternative outlets like sports and the arts to deal with emotional challenges.
While attendance was lower than anticipated, Terry-Ann Diergaardt, founder and organiser of the event, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s overall impact.
“The vision was to educate the children about mental health, and that’s exactly what happened. Seeing that vision come to life is truly fulfilling. This experience has sparked an even bigger idea for the future.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who was expected to attend, had to withdraw due to an urgent matter.
However, she committed to a virtual meeting to further explore the potential of the programme.
Kgauhelo Malesa, head of Health and Wellness at ANCYL PTT, pledged full support for the Youth Breaking Barriers’ efforts, during a talk with the organiser, according to Diergaardt.
Malesa’s endorsement led to the exciting prospect of a Suicide Prevention and Youth Empowerment Roadshow across various communities, spearheaded by Youth Breaking Barriers.
The initiative promises to expand the programme’s reach, addressing mental health challenges in more underprivileged areas.
Diergaardt, who has been at the helm of organising every aspect of the event, from proposals to social media promotion, expressed the challenges and rewards of the process.
“As a new organisation, there’s a lot of work involved in pulling off an event like this. When we received the MEC’s RSVP, we went all out to create a buzz and highlight how vital this initiative is for our community. Though her absence was disappointing, her willingness to engage with us in the future keeps our hopes alive.”
The event comes at a crucial time as October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month in South Africa. The success of Youth Breaking Barriers in organising this event has laid the groundwork for even greater strides in the months ahead.
“I’m hopeful about the upcoming meeting with the MEC, but regardless of the outcome, my commitment to this cause remains unwavering. We are going to continue this work because the need is real, and it’s time to break the silence on mental health,” Diergaardt emphasised.
As youth suicide rates continue to rise across South Africa, the efforts of grassroots organisations like Youth Breaking Barriers are becoming increasingly essential.
The combination of community-based education, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment offers a much-needed lifeline to vulnerable young people.
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za