Vusumuzi Dube
Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday Life Reporter
IN a world where mental health concerns are on the rise, Abangane Mental Health Support Group has emerged as a beacon of hope for young individuals struggling with their mental well-being in Mpopoma, Bulawayo.
The Abangane Platform was founded by the mental health advocate, Zibusiso Munandi (21) at the age of 17. The support group was born out of personal experience with childhood trauma, recognising the need for a safe space and support network.
“At the age of 15, I went through traumatic childhood experiences that left me traumatized, as young as I was, I failed to find the right support for the things I was going through, that is when I started doing social media campaigns to engage with people to start talking more about mental health.”
Munandi initiated a social media campaign that gained attention and highlighted the demand for physical assistance for people fighting different mental health issues like depression, and anxiety and people battling drug and substance abuse. In 2019, Abangane was formed.
Abangane Mental Health Support Group offers a range of services aimed at addressing the diverse needs of its members. One of its key offerings is counseling, providing individuals with a platform to express their emotions, fears, and concerns in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
The group also operates a referral system, connecting members with appropriate mental health professionals or organisations that can provide specialised care.
“We have our own inhouse counsellor, and we have referral systems where we are working with Dignity Africa Foundation where we refer people, and also Ingutsheni Hospital.”
Understanding the importance of comprehensive care, Abangane Mental Support Group has implemented both inpatient and outpatient programs at Ingutsheni. These programmes aim to provide support to individuals battling mental health issues by offering donations.
“We donate clothes and sanitary wear at Ingutsheni Hospital, we are also trying to tell people that as much as Ingutsheni has been criticized, there are good services there. We are not just calling the community, we are saying go there if you need counselling, go there if you need someone to talk to. Psychiatric patients are also like us that is why we do these in and outpatient programmes.”
Abangane Mental Health Support Group has taken on the responsibility of raising awareness about suicide prevention. In collaboration with the Inyati Centre, the group conducts workshops on digital skills for suicide prevention.
“We mobilise the youth and train them on the digital skills. These are the same youths that have been involved in drug and substance abuse, coming from families that have dynamics and others are undergoing teenage pregnancies. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills we hope they are able to address the challenges that they are facing.”
One of the unique aspects of Abangane Mental Support Group is its provision of a platform for individuals to vent their feelings directly to psychologists. This opportunity allows members to receive professional guidance and support, ensuring that their mental health needs are addressed effectively.
Looking towards the future, Abangane Mental Support Group has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact. They aim to host conferences and events that will bring together individuals from various backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
“We aim to host a suicide prevention conference where people come together, experts, policy makers, students to discuss the way forward towards suicide prevention. We want to also move to rural areas where there are less mental health awareness programmes.”
However, in order to achieve these goals and sustain their operations, Abangane Mental Support Group is in need of financial assistance and resources. They are in need of generosity of donors and sponsors who recognise the importance of mental health support for youth. By investing in this organisation, individuals and institutions can contribute to the well-being of countless young people who are battling mental health issues.
In addition to their focus on mental health, Abangane Mental Support Group has also partnered with the Accountability Lab to raise awareness about the abuse of drugs. Collaborating with an organisation called Zimbabwean People Use Drugs, they facilitate activities aimed at educating individuals about the risks associated with substance abuse and providing resources for recovery.
Through their dedication and commitment, Abangane Mental Health Support Group has created a lifeline for young individuals struggling with mental health issues. By providing counseling services, referral systems, inpatient care programmes, suicide prevention programmes, and a platform for venting to psychologists, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Munandi has been nominated for innovator of the year for the African influencer awards.
Online Reporter