Motivation for success
The Talisman Foundation, a psychosocial rehabilitation centre based in The Hill, South of Johannesburg, offers services and support to people with Mental Health and Addiction problems with the aim of re-integration toward functioning independently in their society.
THE HILL JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – As part of Talisman’s awareness initiatives, they held the World Mental Health Event on October 10 on their premises. The event was held to assist clients and the community who live with the stigma associated with mental health conditions to understand that their diagnoses can prove to be a motivation for success, rather than a stumbling block to progress.
The programme commenced with a welcome and introduction from the psychosocial facilitator Maligay Govender, who then introduced the South African College of Applied Psychology students to present a dialogue on their life experiences, managing their mental illnesses and also studying toward a career in psychology. A panel consisting of four students had a dialogue facilitated by Clinical Psychologist Derika de Villiers, following the theme for World Mental Health day 2015; Dignity in Mental Health. The panel was later joined by Dr Yaseen Ally whom had also contributed to the discussion by sharing his experience in overcoming a battle with addiction and managing his mental health.
The discussion sparked a lot of debate from the audience as well as heartfelt responses from friends, family members and clients from Talisman in the audience, who also shared their own personal experiences with their loved ones around their journey and obstacles faced in managing their mental illness.
A highlight of the event was the contribution made by fourteen-year-old Bonolo Mashala, who moved the audience with his active participation, sharing his profound and inspiring insight into his views around mental illness and his hope for a society free of stigma.
In conclusion Ward Councillor Dennis Jane shared on how the council seeks to provide support for people with mental health and addiction problems, adding information about resources and services available to community members
Talisman Foundation hopes to achieve its aim by creating a wave of change in spreading awareness around mental health issues and gaining support from the community in reducing stigma, moving toward an ideal of preserving and respecting the dignity of people with mental health.
