In South Africa, mental health remains a significant concern, and May’s Mental Health Month is dedicated to raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and providing crucial resources and assistance to those in need.
BackaBuddy has put together this blog post to offer support to those in need by providing a comprehensive list of organizations and helplines that can offer assistance and guidance during challenging times.
Raising Awareness:
Mental Health Month serves as an opportunity to engage the community in conversations about mental health, eradicating the stigma attached to it. Encourage open dialogue by sharing personal stories, experiences, or struggles with mental health through social media, blog posts, or local events. By discussing mental health openly, we can help break down barriers and create a more supportive environment.
Self-Care and Well-being:
Taking care of our mental health is essential for our overall well-being. Encourage self-care practices by suggesting activities that promote mental wellness. Share ideas such as mindfulness exercises, meditation apps, physical activities, creative outlets, and healthy coping mechanisms. Encourage individuals to prioritize self-care and seek professional help when needed.
Support for those in need:
Mental health affects people from all walks of life, and it’s crucial to offer support to loved ones who may be struggling.
Here are some ways to lend a helping hand:
Be a good listener: Actively listen to someone who needs to talk. Provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions and symptoms to better understand what others may be experiencing. This knowledge can help you offer more informed support.
Check-in with loved ones: Reach out to family, friends, and colleagues regularly. A simple text or phone call can make a significant difference in someone’s day and show that you care.
List of Helplines and Organizations:
In times of crisis, it is essential to have access to professional support. Here is a list of organizations and helplines available to South Africans seeking mental health assistance:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Helpline: 0800 21 22 23 | SMS: 31393 | Website:www.sadag.org
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP): Website:www.sasop.co.za
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and the organizations and helplines listed above are here to support you on your journey toward better mental health. Let’s work together to ensure that mental health receives the attention, care, and support it deserves.
In a remarkable initiative that bridged continents and hearts, the South African Healthcare Workers For Palestine hosted an extraordinary event on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Titled ‘Soles of our Souls,’ this school shoe memorial, the largest of its kind in South Africa, took place across three cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Image above: GOTG CT Medical Volunteer team supporting the Global Day of Solidarity 13 Jan 2024 (Dr Sooliman was a guest speaker)
The event was dedicated to honouring the memory of over 13,000 innocent children who tragically lost their lives in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In a symbolic yet deeply impactful gesture, each pair of shoes signified a step towards hope and the enduring power of education. This campaign transcended geographical boundaries, highlighting a universal commitment to childhood and the future.
In collaboration with the Gift of the Givers, the South African Healthcare Workers For Palestine launched a crowdfunding initiative on BackaBuddy. The goal was to raise R1.5Million to provide school shoes, valued at R150.00 each, to underprivileged children in South Africa. Since January 17, 2024, the campaign was warmly received, with R1 140 000 already raised by over 342 donors.
Image above: Visual impact of a shoe vigil held in Vancouver to highlight children not returning to school due to violence.
Explaining the campaign’s ethos, organizers stated, “For every child who became a martyr, we strive to weave a thread of kindness into the lives of the less fortunate in South Africa.” This event was more than a memorial; it was a collective journey towards a brighter future for children, the foundation of our shared humanity.
The public was invited to join this movement of compassion. Each contribution, no matter the size, sent a powerful message of solidarity and love, demonstrating that in the face of adversity, compassion prevailed.
Image above: Crowds gathered at the Mandela Glasses, Sea Point in support of Palestine
BackaBuddy, South Africa’s largest donations based crowdfunding platform offered non-profit organisations like Gift of the Givers a 0% platform fee, ensuring that a greater portion of the donations directly benefited the children in need. Additionally, donors were eligible for a Section18A Tax certificate from Gift of the Givers.
A message of gratitude from the Gift of the Givers:
We want to express our sincere gratitude for your kind donation to our Soles for Souls Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of 342 caring individuals like you, we’ve surpassed our goal, raising over R 1,700,000! This incredible achievement has allowed us to provide 13,000 pairs of school shoes, bringing much-needed comfort and hope to children in South Africa’s most underprivileged regions. Your support not only helps those in need but also pays tribute to the memories of over 13,000 young lives lost in Gaza.
Each shoe, a step towards healing, symbolizes a thread of kindness interwoven with the legacy of those cherished souls. Your support extends beyond borders and touches hearts, demonstrating profound solidarity in a world in need of compassion.
Your involvement is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in creating a legacy of love and a future filled with promise. Thank you for standing with us, hand in hand, as we honour life and foster unity through simple acts of giving.
Siyanda Mwelase, a 29-year-old from KwaMashu in Durban, better known as Siyanda Peterson on TikTok, has deeply impacted thousands with his inspiring and educational content detailing his journey of surviving cancer. Despite battling cancer last year and emerging victorious, Siyanda now finds himself facing the disease again. Yet, his resilience and triumph continue to serve as an emblem of strength, especially for youth grappling with illnesses.
Last year, in June, Siyanda received the devastating diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer. Despite the initial shock, he faced the challenge head-on, undergoing weeks of rigorous treatment. His unwavering determination and the support of his medical team brought in the incredible news that he was declared cancer-free.
However, Siyanda’s journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself back in the hospital this year. Tests revealed that cancer had returned, this time more aggressively, necessitating a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy.
“Yoh, to be honest, when I heard it came back, I was gutted,” Siyanda shares. “I never expected it to return, you know? I thought I had it beat once and for all, but sadly, that’s not the case.”
As a social media influencer, Siyanda’s platform became a medium of education and inspiration. Through candid videos documenting his chemotherapy sessions and the profound impact of the disease on his life, Siyanda garnered widespread attention, even catching the eye of celebrities like Somizi Mhlongo, who lent their support.
“You know, one thing I’ve realised is that my social media community has really come through for me,” Siyanda acknowledges. “They’ve been incredibly supportive ever since I shared my diagnosis, and I can’t forget to mention my family—their support has been absolutely amazing.”
Despite the triumph of previously conquering cancer, Siyanda faces a new battle. The financial strain of medical expenses weighs heavily, threatening to overshadow his past victories. Now, Siyanda seeks the support of the community that has stood by him, appealing for assistance in securing the funds needed to continue his treatment and recovery.
“We fought this battle together, and I’m grateful for every ounce of support,” Siyanda expresses. “Now, I ask for your help once more as I embark on this next chapter of my journey. Together, we can overcome any obstacle.”
To help overcome the financial burden, Siyanda launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to cover his ongoing medical expenses as he continues his battle against cancer.
With a fundraising target of R35,500 to cover his Lancet Laboratories and Ampath Lab debt, the community rallies behind Siyanda by raising over R3,000 thus far from 18 donors.
“To be honest, I hesitated to even start the BackaBuddy campaign after being encouraged by my followers,” Siyanda admits. “But the outpouring of support has been truly uplifting. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t feel sufficient for those who have shown love and generosity from afar. I’m deeply appreciative and humbled by everyone’s support, and grateful to have such people backing me.”
To support Siyanda, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
Join NPO Trulifein their mission to eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from South African schools. From 15th of May 2024 – to the 24th of May 2024, passionate individuals from the Reddam House Berkshire in the UK are taking part in the “We See You” Challenge, running 100 kilometers in 10 days to raise crucial funds.
Their Goal:
The primary objective of this initiative is to sponsor GBV workshops in 120 schools across KZN. Through education and empowerment, they aim to equip youth and communities with the tools to address and eliminate GBV.
How You Can Help:
Your contributions directly support this vital initiative. Together, we can make a tangible difference and create safer environments for all individuals.
We are excited to announce that Catherine Du Plooy, our Chief Growth Officer, alongside Malvern Mhlanga, Co-Founder & Head of Partnership and Development of Giving Back Fundraising, will be participating as panellists at the upcoming exclusive one-day event – the 2024 IFC Cape Town Pop-Up!
The conference, a collaboration between The Resource Alliance and Relatomics Foundation, promises a day of enriching discussions and networking opportunities for individuals and organisations alike.
Date: June 6th, from 8:30 to 16:30, followed by a mocktail mixer
Prepare to immerse yourself in a dual-track event featuring a diverse range of sessions led by top fundraising experts from South Africa and across the globe.
Whether you’re eager to explore innovative fundraising strategies or sharpen your leadership skills, the IFC Cape Town Pop-Up caters to all. With sessions covering topics such as B-BBEE, Corporate Partnerships, Artificial Intelligence, Impact Investing, Major Donors, Nonprofit Communications, and more, there’s something for everyone.
As part of the panel, Catherine, will share practical strategies and insights on growing individual giving for organisations, addressing common challenges and pitfalls encountered in the South African context. Her expertise and experience in fundraising will undoubtedly provide attendees with actionable takeaways to strengthen their fundraising efforts.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your fundraising endeavours in 2024. Register now to secure your spot at the 2024 IFC Cape Town Pop-Up and join Catherine and other industry leaders for a day of enlightenment, collaboration, and empowerment.
