EAST LONDON – Fraser Foundation SA is a non-profit organization with a mandate for women empowerment. The foundation seeks to give marginalized women a voice by empowering them emotionally, socially and economically to ensure that they become equal contributors to the nation’s GDP, through skills development and community-enriching interventions.
According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in every 8 people in the world lives with a mental disorder. Here in South Africa, a new study by the Wits/Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit reveals that South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries, and the numbers get even grimmer here in the Eastern Cape.
It is in response to these disturbing statistics that the foundation’s founder, Mercy Fraser saw the need to build a platform that will bring relevant stakeholders together in an attempt to shine the spotlight on this silent pandemic. Ms Fraser said that this was the second instalment in a series of workshops to bring much-needed attention to mental health by addressing the underlying social issues such as gender-based violence and stigmatization of mental related illnesses that contribute to people shying away from getting a proper diagnosis or seeking professional help.
The foundation, in collaboration with its donors brought together a team of experts from mainstream, spiritual and alternative health and wellness fields to provide a comprehensive view on the subject, and most importantly empower participants with tools to effectively manage their mental health, whilst also entrusting them with the responsibility to raise awareness by sensitizing and educating people at both personal and professional levels to destigmatise mental health.
Fraser added that these innovative strategies as a collective could assist those that require attention in how to deal with mental health, by ensuring that support through connectivity groups and counselling is provided.
“First of all, we need to be empathetic and supportive to people that are going through mental challenges. We must be able to provide solutions to them on how to access medication and facilities to provide lasting change and support.
“Secondly, influence policymakers to ensure policies that are biased towards mental health so that the mental health can be prioritised”
“Advocate for the revival and accessibility of mental health facilities by those that are affected severely by mental health.” Said, Fraser”
Fraser Foundation’s Mental Fitness Workshop was held at the East London Golf Club on 20 May 2023, and people came in numbers. The Foundation is looking to host another workshop focusing on spiritual and ancestral calling soon.
