SUPPORT PROGRAMME PROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSISTANCE

As a vital support structure for the communities in the Jeffreys Bay area, Jbay Trauma Support Centre has launched a psychosocial support programme for school learners, targeting a range of ages, across a variety of relevant topics. This initiative plays a pivotal role in providing much-needed support to school learners in the Thornhill community specifically, addressing challenges that affect their well-being.

Over 60 Thornhill Primary School learners, along with teachers and school support staff, attended a workshop entitled ‘suicidal thoughts and the role of positive role models in one's life’ earlier this month, as a key programme intervention.

“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,” said Lwanele Mbenya, psycho-social support volunteer based at Thornhill Primary School.

Further interventions that target grade 3 learners at Thornhill Primary School have been confirmed, forming part of the same programme, highlighting the importance of school attendance.

“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, which is why we found it fitting to assist with this psychosocial support programme,” said Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist for Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, which provides support for Jbay Trauma Support Centre as part of its its socio-economic development programme. 

For more information or related support please contact Jbay Trauma Support Centre on 076 708 6100 or jbaytrauma@gmail.com