Masakhane Moms Mental Health Project

CHALLENGES

• Lack of mental health knowledge.
• Overburden government mental health system.
• Stigma and traditional beliefs around mental health.

MOTIVATION

• Mental disorders are detectable and treatable.
• Provide the necessary support by activating support groups.
• Providing education and skills development and awareness workshops.
• Support the well-being of mothers, their children and ECD teachers.
• Support pregnant mothers.
• Create a safe space to talk.

PROJECT COMPONENTS Pilot Program to Launch July

• Project managed by a registered nurse with psychiatry as the field of expertise.

• On-site support to ECDs in Masakhane for teachers' and children's well-being.

• ECD teacher and Masakhane mom’s support groups.

• Individual sessions for ECD teachers and referrals by a registered nurse.

Planned expansion of program September 2022

• Support groups for pregnant moms.
• Community mental health awareness programs.
• Individual sessions for community members and referrals by a registered nurse.

Planned expansion of program February 2021

• Emotional skills development and awareness for teenage girls.
• Support for teenage moms.
• Individual sessions for teenage girls.