World Suicide Prevention Day 2021

This year’s theme: “Creating Hope through Action”

Every year the 10th of September is commemorated as the World’s commitment to prevent suicide. By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, it is to give people the confidence to take action that can save life.

From working with children and youth facilitating and providing psychosocial support and mental wellness has been part of child safety and protection. In a baseline study conducted with total 453 responses from learners in eight schools from Orlando East, total sample of 232 (52%) were female and 217 (48%) were male. The age of respondents ranged between 12 and 18. 99.7% of respondents indicated that they were in school with the grades ranged between 5 and 11.  

Findings

• On resilience enablers, 32% respondent that they feel little or not at all supported by friends.
• 42% of respondents indicated they talk little or not at all they will say their feelings to their family.
• 31% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with at times they think they are not good at all.
• On mental health, 24% respondents selected nearly every-day for little interest or pleasure in doing things.

​To be able to enhance resilience skills, our implementing partners (REPSSI, June 16 Youth Development Foundation) build self-esteem planned camps. Girls Camp hosted from the 28th to 30th May and Boys camp hosted from the 04th to 06th June 2021 saw a total of 92 girls and 78 boys.
The camp focused on facilitating activities on Self-Awareness; Self-Management; Social Awareness; Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision Making. This was through role plays, sketches, drawings, visual and full-participatory of learners. Through evaluation notes here are some of the writings of what was learned.

The team believe that through the little work we are able to expose our learners, it builds their abilities to less prone to depression; suicide and other mental illness but strive to be well and support others. 
 
Child Line Toll Free:  080 005 5555
SAGDA Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
SAPS: 08600 10111

World Suicide Prevention Day Toolkit