The Family Life Centre AGM touches on mental health awareness
With October being Mental Health Month, speakers at the Family Life Centre AGM in Parkwood encouraged more action on mental health challenges.
The Family Life Centre held a successful annual general meeting at the head office in Parkwood.
Kicking off the meeting on October 6, chairperson Refilwe Pieterse expressed her gratitude to see the non-profit organisation (NPO) still standing regardless of the hardships passed through.
She added that mental health in the country has been an issue of taboo in society for many years due to the stigma attached to it.
“The suicide of men and women in the entertainment industry has highlighted the plight of many who are suffering mentally and emotionally. The brutal killings of women and the increase in child abuse has rocked this nation and questions the mental wellness of many South Africans.
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“The increase in unemployment has in turn caused an increase in drug and alcohol abuse which has had a ripple effect on many households and communities. It is time we place an emphasis on families, values and mental health to reverse the effects of the brokenness of many.”
She added that the Family Life Centre provides critical services and programmes necessary to facilitate healing and restoration to many families and individuals.
Executive director of the Family Life Centre, Jennifer Papers, said this year they have prioritised capacitating all their staff in specialised training programmes, understanding of the NPO compliances and assisting with creating a standardised administrative process in all office.
Papers also emphasised the importance of mental health especially in a time where, ‘family breakdowns, femicide, gender-based violence, suicide, abuse are on the rise and the aftermath of what I believe many still do not recognise the impact it had on what society used to be, Covid-19. Are we placing enough emphasis on the importance of prioritising mental health? Are we investing in healing and restoration? In my opinion, no! Much needs to be done to address the mental health challenges in our society’.
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Papers also thanked partners, sponsors, sessional workers and interns for all their contributions.
Social worker Patricia Adonisi said as October is Mental Health Month, the focus should be on men and boys, who should be encouraged to come forward and be allowed to express their emotions.
Treasurer Lethabo Mputla reported that much needed to be done to ensure the financial stability of the organisation. New board members were also welcomed into the organisation.
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