Valkenberg Mental Health and Volunteering
By Sandra Matthew
Mental illness is common, and not just on the streets of the Obs community. According to the Medical Research Council, 30% of South Africans will suffer from a mental disorder over the course of their lifetime.
People with mental illnesses ARE able to recover by receiving the support they need.
Unfortunately the support for mental health is hard to come by and the journey is a long one.
The Friends of Valkenberg Trust work in partnership with staff at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital to promote the recovery of people with serious mental illnesses.
This vital work equips people to get back on their feet, back to their families, back to their jobs and back to their communities.
On any weekday morning you might find one of our 60 volunteers partnering with the hospital staff to offer services and activities to target each aspect of the recovery process: enhancing independent living skills, building vital self-esteem, improving physical activity, offering work skills and providing practical support to be successful.
Have you ever popped into the friendly second hand shop at Valkenberg?
At the Friends of Valkenberg Friendly Shop, you'll find volunteers from the community and people from the wards working together to run a service which offers warm coffee, tasty snacks and affordable second hand goods.
Would you like to help?
We're always on the lookout for new volunteers to play a variety of roles in the wards or in the office. We are also in need of clothing for those in dire straits and our Second Hand shop relies on donations to make the project sustainable.
You could also inspire our team and get involved in various fundraising initiatives.
Contact the Friends office on 021-4472092 (mornings) or on office@friendsofvalkenberg.co.za if you'd like to partner with us in supporting the recovery of people with mental illnesses.
It's close to home!