Child Welfare beating suicide (10/06/11)

In the years leading up to May 2008 the rate of suicides in KwaDukuza spiralled out of control.
The community was in shock and unable to handle these tragedies. Teenage suicides, especially, took on a fatal trend during the years.
Just recently two adult males were victim of suicide and once again social organisations are on alert as they realise this is just not relegated to teenagers.
In a desperate scramble the Child Welfare together with the police, community organizations, psychiatrists and psychologists came together to discuss and plot a way forward.
In less than no time the “Support Group for Suicide Survivors” took shape. With this invaluable structure in place the group immediately embarked on a suicide prevention campaign that saw social workers visit 15 schools on a mission to educate and enlighten learners. According to the Child Welfare most teenagers now attempted suicide through drug overdose.
The period of May 2008 to April 2010 saw a phenomenal decrease in suicides across all age groups especially among teenagers in and around KwaDukuza.
“The Welfare social workers are thoroughly trained in dealing with cases of victims of suicides in providing all round treatment for families. We involve faith based healers: Moulanas, priests, bramhins etc. in helping the families come to terms with their loss if necessary, said Social Work Manager of Child Welfare, said Penny Dhaver.
Dr Phillip. C. McGraw, host of the syndicated television show ‘Dr Phil’ and author of a range of self help books; urged teenagers to make themselves heard, and should remember that talking about the problem is more than half the problem solved.
Any individual contemplating suicide is urged to phone the Stanger Hospital’s Suicide Survivor Committee: 032 437 6101, Stanger Child Welfare: 032 551 2129 or the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group (SADAG): 0800 20 50 26 or SMS 31393

HEALERS OF THE PSYCHE: The dedicated staff of Child Welfare KwaDukuza (missing are Amy Sentoo, Sindy Mbhele and Thokozani Xaba)