WHERE FLOWERS BLOOM, SO DOES HOPE

September is Internationally marked as Suicide Prevention month.

This is to remember the lives lost to suicide and the millions of people globally who struggle with mental health and have suicide ideation.

The Wellness  Office rolled out Rainbow Picnics around King Hintsa TVET College sites. The overall purpose of the Rainbow Picnic Awareness is to educate employees on mental health risks and challenges faced by people in our communities, workplace due to having mental health issues.

This further inspired the Wellness Office to have such a colourful picnic as a form to add hope and encourage staff members to be bright and cheerful.

The awareness picnic aimed at education employees on coping mechanisms, signs and symptoms and seeking counselling when in need.

The awareness encouraged active interaction and open dialogue where staff shared their views and life experiences which is a clear indication that it was well received by the target audience. This further assisted in breaking the stigma attached to mental illnesses to actively advocate for a healthy work environment and work life balance.

Walter Sisulu University Psych counsellor and Health Promotion Department were part of the programme as stakeholders to render this awareness as per their jurisdiction.

Teko , Willowvale and Msobomvu campuses are yet to host their own Picnic awareness dates have not been confirmed yet.

Article Contributed by:

Ms A. Kutu (Wellness Officer)