Kindness bench checks in at YMCA
The Kind Heart Bench Project, a non-profit organisation promoting love, kindness and mental health, set up one of its yellow benches at the YMCA in Observatory on Wednesday October 2.
YMCA volunteers and representatives from Cape Mental Health, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), Hope House, and Valkenberg Hospital were among those at the unveiling of the bench, which, according to Kind Hearth Bench Project founder Bradley Bailey will give those who use it a mental health breather.
“It allows everyone to sit down and share their stories, and these stories can lead to conversations where anyone can be able to reach out for the help that they need, and we fast track that for anyone who is suffering from anxiety, depression and mental health problems,” he said.
YMCA Observatory general manager Colleen Davids said the organisation provided a home away from home for around 80 residents.
“We provide a hostel; we have adults and students staying here, and we have programmes where our volunteers do work in prisons and in schools.
“Over the years, we had incidents where some residents had suicide attempts, so this is an important initiative, and we want people to know that there is help available.”
Sadag coordinator Kia Cordeiro said the organisation provided 24-hour mental health support through its telephonic crisis helplines.
To find out more about the project, call Mr Bailey at 071 962 0693 or email bradley@perfectfit360.co.za.
