Bridging the mental health gap
There's a significant mental health equity gap in South Africa. Only a small portion of those in distress can afford the available care, which is concentrated in the private sector. In the public sector there are approximately 2.75 psychologists for every 100,000 people. Yet, the need for quality mental health services is widespread and intense in low-income communities where high rates of poverty and unemployment; crime and violence; domestic abuse and addiction take an immense toll on people's mental wellbeing.
The new Counselling Hub, an initiative of the South African College of Applied Psychology (Sacap) Foundation and the KK Educational Fund (KKEF), in Woodstock, Cape Town offers low cost mental health services to people living and working in the surrounds. With one-on-one sessions at only R50, and free workshops, people with low incomes can now seek the professional support they need to navigate their life challenges.
“We have created a safe community space where people who need access to mental health services can receive quality and affordable care. More than that, the Counselling Hub also aims to create awareness about mental health, as well as the benefits of accessing mental health resources.
Stigma
Unfortunately, there is still fear, stigma and misinformation attached to mental health illnesses, and this creates an unnecessary and harmful barrier to access for individuals who need to get help," says Kentse Radebe, executive director of the Sacap Foundation.
Both partners in the project share a vision of a country with quality, affordable and well-developed mental health services for all South Africans. "My experience in counselling has allowed me to see the benefit that can be gained from a non-judgmental, listening ear. Basic tools too can go a long way in assisting clients in coping with daily challenges when experiencing a trauma or difficult situation. We also aim to create a continuity of services through appropriate referrals and connection to other communities, which is why our service is multi-faith. We believe that a friendly meeting point in Cape Town will benefit both practitioners and clients, and that is why we have called the space a hub. In broadening access to these services we aim on contributing to the functional wellbeing of our society as a whole," says Romi Kaplan, co-founder of the Counselling Hub and spokesperson for KKEF.
Work-integrated learning
For the Sacap the Counselling Hub also provides an opportunity for their students to fulfil the vital work-integrated learning component of their studies where, with the support of their supervisors, they gain invaluable experience of meeting the real-life mental health needs in South African communities.
Treatable mental disorders such anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and substance addiction are very common. Left untreated this creates an enormous economic and social burden on the country.
Centrally located at 52/54 Francis Street in Woodstock, the Counselling Hub is easily accessible to those living and working in the City Bowl, Zonnebloem, District Six, Salt River, Observatory and the Atlantic Seaboard. Those experiencing crises such as trauma, anxiety, depression and grief can access short-term interventions including one-on-one counselling for up to six sessions, as well as group workshops covering a range of mental health topics.
