Call for youth to break the silence on suicide

September 8, 2023 136

In a bid to fight the scourge of teen suicides that have rocked various parts of the country recently, NGO – #Keready movement is urging young people to reach out for help when they feel overwhelmed.

#Keready is a movement dedicated to youth health and has mobile clinics in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

Speaking ahead of Suicide Awareness Day, which is on Sunday, the organisation’s Dr James Mennya-Artivor says young people can also look out for them on social media platforms such as TikTok, podcasts, and WhatsApp.

Dr Mennya-Artivor outlines the importance of raising awareness on suicide.

#Keready’s Dr Asanda Shabalala is urging all South Africans, including the media, to join suicide prevention efforts.

“Together we can break the silence and create a culture of understanding, compassion, and resilience amongst young people,” says Shabalala.

The call comes as Gauteng reels from cases of learners committing suicide at schools.

Last month, two teenagers in Grades 8 and 12 learners at the Tsakane Secondary School, in Ekurhuleni, took their own lives. Apparently the incidents happened hot on the heels of four other pupils from the same school who also consumed poison and survived.

In the same month, two teenagers from Temba and Soshanguve in Pretoria also took their lives. That tragedy had come barely two months after two other Ekurhuleni learners had also taken their own lives, few days apart.

According to SADAG’s website, there are 23 suicides a day recorded in South Africa and 230 serious attempts.

The organisation says the most at-risk age group for suicide in the country is adolescents (13– 19 years old) which falls within the Grade 8-10 age group.

Heads up‼️

HERE’S WHERE TO FIND #KEREADY MOBILE CLINICS THIS WEEK?! 🥳

4 – 8 September

Here are some of the locations you can find us in this week to access free healthcare services🚐🩺

📍 Gauteng, Mogale City

📍Western Cape, Klipfontein

📍KwaZulu-Natal, Cato Manor

📍… pic.twitter.com/gQOSG46px7

— Keready SA (@kereadysa) September 4, 2023

Life is filled with surprises. Zivele zikhale – 10 past 4! That’s why you should always have the #keready Whatsapp number – our doctors are always ready for you.#whatsappline #healthcare pic.twitter.com/KVD10XzE7y

— Keready SA (@kereadysa) September 1, 2023

@kereadysa ♬ original sound – #Keready

@kereadysa Today we are talking about ARVs and DEFAULTING. Dr Phumelela breaks it down for us. #keready #arvs #defaulting ♬ original sound – #Keready

@kereadysa Dr Siyanda unpacks why you should immunise your child. Protect your little one and give them the best start in life by immunising them! 💙💉 #keready #health #protection #immunise ♬ original sound – #Keready

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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