As we wrap up another meaningful year, it’s heartening to reflect on the growth and impact Upside Community Services has had in 2024. This year, our flagship program, ALONGside, provided 99 clients with 622 appointments, offering transformative counseling valued at over R305,900. By touching over 400 lives, we continue to fulfill our mission of bringing hope and healing to our community.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our team, including Jenna, Charisse, Wezet (our social worker), and Cheka, a research academic generously interning with us. Their unwavering commitment continues to uplift the lives of many.
CMC24 was a major milestone this year—not in sheer numbers but in building relationships and positioning ourselves for greater influence moving forward.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even greater strides:
Continuing our community ministry and expanding our training courses.
Progressing toward legislative changes to gain formal recognition for Christian Community Counselors, enabling access to professional and voluntary counseling services through medical aid schemes.
Launching hybrid and online training to make our programs accessible nationwide.
Hosting CMC25 in October, set to be a significant event strengthening relationships with government and private sector partners.
Onside, our educational programme, will be launching an exciting National Senior Certificate pathway focused on business and management.
We extend heartfelt thanks to every person who has walked this journey with us. Together, we look forward to a transformative and impactful 2025.
Stay connected with us as we continue making a difference, one life at a time.
Warm regards, Neal Bresler Executive Director, Upside Community Services NPC
South Africa is facing a major challenge with its unemployment rate. The article discusses the high unemployment rate and its impact on the youth. With an official unemployment rate of 33.5%, the situation is already dire, but the reality is even more concerning when we consider the expanded unemployment rate, which sits at a staggering 42.6%. This makes South Africa’s unemployment the highest in the world.
The impact of this unemployment crisis is particularly severe for the youth. The article highlights that the unemployment rate for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 is a shocking 60.8%. Even for young adults aged 25 to 34, the unemployment rate is a very high 41.7%. Experts warn that these alarming numbers could lead to social unrest.
The South African government needs to take urgent action to address this crisis. With such a high number of unemployed young people, the country faces a significant risk of social instability. The government should invest in programs that create jobs and opportunities for young people. They should also work to improve the education system so that young people have the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Job Creation & Opportunity Needed
This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The future of South Africa depends on its ability to create jobs and opportunities for its young people.
Prof. Daniel Louw with one of many though-provoking points.
Cape Town, 10 October 2023: A recent mental health seminar highlighted the urgency for mental health resources for Cape Town communities ahead of World Mental Health Day.
UPside Community Services, a registered Non-Profit in the Cape Peninsula, hosted a Mental Health State of the Nation Address on 7 October, offering an integrated and cross-sectoral response with recommendations.
“This seminar promoted stakeholder collaboration to prioritise mental wellness through preventative action and capacity building of our community leaders, positive and informative messaging and facilitating an open discussion on mental health at home, school and the workplace,” said UPside Executive Director Neal Bresler.
The event was attended by almost 100 small business and community leaders and featured leading industry experts Professor Mario Smith, Psychologist and Professor at UWC,
Numerous leaders from the local far south community and beyond were in attendance.
Professor Daniel Louw. Professor in Theology and Pastoral Care at the University of Stellenbosch and Anelia Coetzee, a People and Strategy Development Expert.
The panellists reflected on the importance of family, relationships and community in managing mental health. Neal Bresler opened the discussion with some alarming findings indicating that 25% of South African employees are diagnosed with depression during employment and that only 15% to 25% will seek help.
Prof Louw presented the concepts of the human disposition within relational dynamics and the paradigm shift from crisis thinking to compassionate care.
“We live in a world of stressors,” explained Prof Smith. He listed the impacts on mental health, such as increased demands for living, intensified risks, the gap between policy and service provision, imploding systems, reduced individual and community skills, food insecurity, poverty, reduced capacity for empathy and pandemic residue.
His recommendation for moving forward includes a multilevel approach between systems community, family units and individuals. His advice at an individual level is to live balanced lives, set and observe personal limits, distinguish between colloquial language and clinical language, make informed and appropriate use of self-help and social media, and consolidate resources.
Anelia highlighted the need for businesses to create safe spaces to build trust and a sense of belonging.
From Left to Right: Ms Chantal Philander (UPside Advocacy & Development Director), Prof Daniel Louw, Ian Thomson (UPside Chairman of the Board), Ms Anelia Coetzee, Neal Bresler (UPside Executive Director) and Prof Mario Smith.
The professionals praised community counsellors, describing their tremendous respect and appreciation for them and highlighted the importance of a joint understanding of the role of screening and understanding the healthcare systems in South Africa.
To conclude the conversation and in support of World Mental Health Day, UPside calls for:
Increased investment in mental health and counselling support services, integrated within the primary health care, education, community services and structures.
Improved collaboration between partners in the private sector, academia, government, and civil society to reduce the divide and to provide access to mental health care and services.
The headline is more than just a tongue-in-cheek play on our annual State of the Nation address. It asks the serious question: What is really going on with our nation’s mental health? And just as important, what does that mean for our community and business leaders?
The World Health Organisation indicates that mental health will be the biggest crisis we will face on the planet by 2030. In a recent report by the Mental State of the World, South Africa scored the lowest average on mental health well-being among 34 countries worldwide. The data is unsurprising, but how can we empower our communities to prioritise their mental well-being and find support?
Mental Health Seminar – 7 October
During Mental Wellness Month in October, UPside is hosting a seminar on Saturday, 7 October, on the state of South Africa’s mental health and its impact on NGOs, education and the economy with:
Prof Mario Smith, Psychologist and Professor at UWC.
Prof Daniel Louw. Professor in Theology and Pastoral Care University of Stellenbosch and
Anelia Coetzee, People and Strategy Development Expert
We will try and unpack some of the psychological impacts of our nation’s ongoing narratives around crime, load shedding, corruption and the upcoming elections. How do these large narratives impact the personal narratives that we can influence?
UPside is a not-for-profit offering counselling services to the communities of the Deep South. We have a desire to come alongside all people to help them change the narrative of their lives. Leading our communities, one person at a time, from brokenness to wholeness.
Community & Mental Health Convention
The seminar is followed by the Community & Mental Health Convention hosted by Family Counselling Centre on 20 – 21 October 2023. Please click here for more details on the convention: https://www.integernetwork.com/cmc23
Companies must prioritize the mental well-being of their employees to avoid the substantial costs associated with mental health conditions. Professor Renata Schoeman emphasizes that productivity targets should not come at the expense of investment in mental health. While some companies are taking steps in the right direction, many still fail to prioritize employee well-being. Leaders should set an example, create a healthy culture, provide support services, and ensure a work-life balance to support mental well-being in the workplace.
Poor Mental Health Affects Our Economy
According to the Mental State of the World report, South Africa has the lowest average mental well-being score among 34 countries. The economy loses about R161 billion annually due to mental health conditions. This includes lost work days, presenteeism, and premature mortality. Companies must invest more in the mental well-being of their employees to mitigate these costs. Many companies still prioritize productivity over mental health, but research shows that mentally well employees are more productive and happier at work. Companies that prioritize mental health have leaders who exemplify self-care, create a healthy culture, and provide support services. They also invest in education and resilience training and ensure a smooth reintegration process for employees returning from a mental health-related absence.
Companies Must Begin to Invest in the Mental Health of their Staff
South Africa’s low average mental well-being score highlights the urgent need for companies to invest in the mental health of their employees. While some companies are taking steps to prioritize mental well-being, many still fail to do so. Prioritizing mental health benefits both employees and the company, leading to higher productivity, creativity, and retention rates. To support mental health, companies should have leaders who prioritize their own mental well-being, create a healthy culture, provide support services, and establish a work-life balance. The hybrid working model presents unique challenges, and companies should ensure that methods for supporting mental health extend to all employees, whether they work from home or in the office.
South Africa has been grappling with high unemployment rates for years, and traditional approaches to address this issue have had limited success. In order to effectively combat unemployment, innovative and multifaceted strategies are needed. This article explores the key steps that need to be taken, including reevaluating the education system, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), fostering problem-solving skills, increasing AI knowledge across disciplines, bridging the digital divide, promoting entrepreneurship and SMMEs, capitalizing on the digital economy, increasing research and development (R&D) expenditure, and establishing private-public partnerships.
Key Points to Combat Unemployment
The education system needs to align with market demands and integrate AI skills into the curriculum for better employability.
Fostering a problem-solving mindset and emphasizing practical experience through project-based learning is crucial.
AI literacy should be fostered across all disciplines, not just computer science, to expand employment opportunities in various industries.
Bridging the digital divide through investments in digital infrastructure and programs for digital literacy is essential for equal access to AI education and employment opportunities.
Promoting entrepreneurship and SMMEs growth requires accessible financing, mentorship, capacity development, and a favorable regulatory environment.
South Africa can capitalize on the digital economy through initiatives that promote digital literacy, e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship, and the growth of digital industries.
Increasing R&D expenditure stimulates innovation, job creation, and skills development in the short and long term.
Private-public partnerships can assist in skills development, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development to combat unemployment.
Employment policies should be restructured to balance worker rights and job creation, and active labor market policies can facilitate the integration of disadvantaged groups.
Conclusion
In order to eradicate unemployment, South Africa needs to adopt a comprehensive approach that rethinks education, leverages AI and digital opportunities, promotes entrepreneurship, increases R&D expenditure, and establishes partnerships between the public and private sectors. By implementing these strategies, South Africa can create a fair and inclusive job market that provides opportunities for all its citizens.
You can access the original article that inspired this blog post here.
The Shoprite Group invites unemployed and unskilled South African youth to apply for specialist training and educational programmes throughout the year.
The Retail Readiness Programme invests in teaching unemployed youth the basic skills required for a retail environment or starting their own business. It has trained over 32,000 learners since 2016, with participants receiving NQF-level 3 part qualifications upon successful completion.
The Group has created 7,387 work opportunities for youth since 2018 through the YES Initiative, where learners receive 12 months of on-the-job training in various in-store service departments.
Upon completion of the Retail Readiness Programme or YES Initiative, learners may be offered the opportunity to join the Group, with 1,427 doing so in 2022.
How to apply for a job
Interested individuals can apply by sending a WhatsApp message, visiting the Shoprite Jobs website, or submitting their CV at a nearby Shoprite, Checkers or Usave supermarket.
I just watched this video on mental health challenges in public healthcare and believe communities need to wake up to the perils ahead.
Public health care under strain
It is estimated that one in six people globally will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. In South Africa, it is estimated that close to one in three people live with a mental illness and the majority are unable to access suitable care. Given the high prevalence of mental illness in the country, it is unsurprising that mental health is one of the leading causes of disability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health. The lockdown, loss of jobs, and social isolation have increased anxiety and depression. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing domestic violence.
The mental health system in South Africa was already under immense strain before the pandemic hit. The added pressure of the pandemic has led to concerns about the ability of the public healthcare system to deal with the increased demand for mental health services.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on mental health
There is a growing concern that the public healthcare system will not be able to deal with the mental health demands related to COVID-19. The virus has already significantly impacted people’s mental health, and with the lockdown measures in place, many people are struggling to cope.
The increased demand for mental health services will likely strain an already stretched healthcare system. This could lead to longer waiting times for mental health care and a general deterioration of mental health services.
There are calls for the government to invest more in mental health services to improve the ability of the healthcare system to deal with the increased demand. However, it remains to be seen whether this will happen.
The risks of not addressing the mental health needs of the population
There is growing evidence that the population’s mental health needs are not adequately addressed. This is leading to increased risks for individuals, families and communities.
The knock-on effect of the pandemic and mental health on entrepreneurs and small business owners, already under fiscal strain, could have a severe impact on the financial stability of communities.
There are several reasons why the population’s mental health needs are not adequately addressed. One reason is that mental health is still taboo in many cultures. This means people are reluctant to talk about their mental health problems and seek help.
Another reason is that mental health services are often underfunded and understaffed. This means there are not enough resources, and people with mental health problems often don’t get the help they need.
The population’s mental health needs must be taken seriously and addressed properly. This will require a concerted effort from individuals, families, communities and governments.
The potential solutions
Mental health is a significant challenge in the public healthcare system. The potential solutions to address this challenge include:
– Providing more resources for mental health services
– Improving access to mental health care
– Increasing awareness of mental health issues
– improving the quality of mental health services
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is urging the government health department to increase its investment in community-level mental healthcare. See link here.
These solutions require a concerted effort from all healthcare system levels, from policy-makers to front-line workers. However, with the right support, the public healthcare system can significantly progress in addressing the mental health challenge.
The Upside response
Upside Community Services’ response to this pandemic rests on two fundamental pillars
Early intervention
Public-Private partnerships
Research has shown that early intervention has a greater level of success but it also reduces the strain on public healthcare by reducing the numbers of severe mental health cases.
Public-private partnerships allows for a more rapid deployment of mental healthcare services to the communities that need it.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the lives of people across the globe. In South Africa, the pandemic has significantly impacted the education sector. The closure of schools has harmed the learning and development of learners, particularly those in Grade R.
Grade R is a critical year in the foundation phase of schooling. It is the year learners consolidate the skills and knowledge they have acquired in previous years. They also begin to develop the skills and knowledge they will need in the future.
The consequential impact of COVID-19 on the educational development of Grade R learners is a serious cause for concern. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of the pandemic on the education of Grade R learners and what can be done to mitigate the negative effects.
hoto by Arthur Krijgsman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-sitting-on-brown-chairs-inside-the-classroom-4019754/
The effect of COVID-19 on the schooling system
The pandemic drastically changed the fundamental operations of schools. Schools had to close, forcing learners to switch to remote or online learning. The digital divide was a major challenge for learners, especially those in grade R. The shift to online learning meant that many learners did not have access to the resources needed to continue learning from home, especially those in disadvantaged areas.
The period of disruption caused by the pandemic significantly affected the learning and development of Grade R learners. Research funded by the nonprofit organisation the Mr Price Foundation, has shown that as many as 38% of Grade R learners may never catch up. You can read the full research article here. This is because the foundation phase of schooling is crucial in developing foundational skills needed for future learning. Loss of this learning could profoundly affect the learners’ future learning.
Furthermore, much of the concept-building and development of new skills and knowledge takes place in physical artificial environments. E-learning is not as effective at inculcating these skills, as learners cannot interact with the environment and have an immersive learning experience.
During the prolonged lockdown, there were significant disruptions to the educational development of Grade R learners. With the physical closure of schools and the challenges of providing online education, many learners could not access the education they needed to develop the foundational skills for success in their later academic career.
The challenges brought about by the pandemic period also had an emotional impact on Grade R learners. The social, emotional and physical losses will have an impact on the educational development of these learners. The lockdown, isolation, and absence of physical interaction did not provide the social stimulus the learners needed and may stunt their emotional growth.
Furthermore, learners who do not live in a stable home environment cannot access the resources and emotional support needed for emotional growth. These learners will likely face significant challenges when they return to school and could fall behind in their educational development.
Therefore, it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 and the resultant period of lockdown had a detrimental effect on the educational development of Grade R learners. Support and interventions need to be implemented to help these learners catch up with the rest of their peers and ensure they have the skills they need to develop their education further.
Photo by Katerina Holmes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-boy-talking-with-teacher-about-school-online-5905717/.
The importance of early education
The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of early education for Grade R learners. Education at an early age plays a fundamental role in laying the foundations for success in a child’s later educational experience. Early learning provides Grade R learners with the skills necessary for later schooling success. This includes the development of cognitive, motor, and language skills as well as social, emotional and physical development.
Early education also equips young learners with the numeracy, reading and writing skills they need to access primary school education. Furthermore, early education forms the basis for a learner’s long-term educational development and career prospects.
In addition to providing the educational resources needed for success, early education also plays a pivotal role in imparting values, developing leadership skills and cultivating creative potential. This is especially true for Grade R learners, who are still developing the social, emotional and physical skills they will need in the future.
Given the magnitude of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grade R learners must receive support and intervention to ensure their educational development is not hindered. Early education gives learners the skills and resources to succeed and impact their life trajectory.
Ghoto by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-young-girl-in-red-dress-playing-with-building-blocks-3662637/
The challenges faced by parents and guardians
The pandemic has presented various challenges for parents and guardians of Grade R learners. With the closure of schools and the shift to online learning, there has been a sharp increase in the responsibility and involvement of parents and guardians amid the health crisis.
An increased need for educational and technical support and guidance is essential. Many parents and guardians are unfamiliar with online learning, leading to extreme confusion and frustration.
Additional educational support in the form of so-called “extra lessons” or tutoring would assist learners to catch up. This must be done before later grades start to build on the educational foundation prepared in the foundation phase of education; however, if the school does not offer these services, it can be a real challenge for parents to access this support.
In addition to technical challenges, there are also financial hurdles. Not all parents and guardians can afford the technology and software needed for their children to access virtual learning platforms.
In a household with multiple children, the change in an educational setting has created competing demands for time, which poses another challenge. With all the members of the family home and the limited resources available, it is difficult for parents and guardians to devote sufficient attention to their children’s learning.
On top of all this is the emotional suffering endured by parents and children alike. Many cannot continue their live interactions with teachers and other children to protect their children from the virus. The pandemic’s social and emotional consequences on Grade R learners must not be overlooked.
The way forward for Grade R learners
hoto by James Wheeler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-pathway-surrounded-by-fir-trees-1578750/
pandemic has impacted different grade levels differently and created a host of challenges for Grade R learners. To offer a bright future for these children, it is essential to create positive strategies tailored to their individual needs.
Some of the strategies that can be employed are as follows:
1. Schools, NGOs or Community organisations need to offer Support and Guidance to Parents and Guardians – It is important to provide support and guidance to parents and guardians so that they can understand and use virtual learning resources. Resources such as webinars and training can help parents and guardians understand the basics of online learning.
2. Provide Financial Solutions to Access Technology – There should be an effort to provide financial assistance where needed. This could involve providing access to affordable computers and laptops as well as affordable Internet packages.
3. Address Social and Emotional Needs – Special measures should be taken to address the social and emotional needs of Grade R learners. This could involve offering therapeutic support and emotional security and emphasizing activities that promote social engagement.
4. Make Curriculum Flexible – Government and Educational institutions should introduce a flexible curriculum that considers the current learning flux and parents’ and guardians’ emotional and financial needs.
UPside Community Services will address these issues through the following initiatives;
ALONGside Programme offers free counselling services to parents and learners to help process the impact of COVID and educational challenges.
ONside EdX Talks – ONside will guide parents and learners on the impact of COVID on their child’s future and how best to navigate their remaining schooling years
If you wish to provide provide financial support for the work that UPside does please follow this link: https://upside.org.za/donate/.
Through thoughtful strategy and executing these measures, we can ensure that the children of Grade R have a secure future despite the current pandemic.
According to the 2022 World Mental Health Report, the world is facing a mental health pandemic similar in seriousness to the global events of 2020. The report states that in 2019, there were 970 million people globally living with mental disorders, with 14% of the world’s adolescents affected. Suicide was found to be a significant issue, accounting for more than one in 100 deaths, with 58% of suicides occurring before the age of 50 and ranking as the fourth-highest cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. Approximately 82% of individuals with mental disorders are residing in low- and middle-income countries.
South Africa’s Mental Health Landscape
The article highlights South Africa’s ranking in terms of mental health, stating that the country faces challenges due to factors such as high levels of violence, poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These conditions contribute to mental health disorders, including psychological distress, depression, anxiety, suicide, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness. The historical impact of apartheid, particularly on African communities, continues to negatively affect the mental health of women and children in South Africa. Absent fathers, which deprive children of the presence of both parents, and the phenomenon of child-headed households further contribute to mental health strain and stress on women, along with broader gender discrimination .
Inadequate Mental Health Services
Inadequate mental health services are a significant issue in South Africa, both in the public and private sectors. The article mentions that only 27% of individuals requiring treatment for mental health illnesses receive it, indicating a low treatment rate. The National Mental Health Policy and Strategic Framework 2013-2020 aimed to improve mental health among South Africans but faced challenges due to limited funding, with most of the available funding allocated to psychiatric hospitals rather than community-based services. The shortage of mental health specialists, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, is another concern, with most concentrated in the private health system, leaving limited access for the broader population relying on the public health system.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic and related factors, including increased morbidity, mortality, and corruption, have further exacerbated the challenges of mental health in South Africa. Globally, the pandemic is estimated to have increased the prevalence of depression and anxiety by 25% to 27%. In response to these challenges, a conference called “Join the movement — Time to talk about mental health” was organized, aiming to mobilize society, increase mental health awareness, and enhance access to mental health care. The conference sought to assess the state of mental health in the country, address structural, social, and behavioral drivers, discuss required services and policies, and identify resource needs. The gathering aimed to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and community-level care, aligning with the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs.
Joining the Movement: Time to Talk About Mental Health
To combat the mental health crisis, the article calls for the collaboration of the media and other influencers to fight against unhelpful and destructive stigmas surrounding mental health disorders. Stigma still plays a significant role in deaths related to mental health and limits access to treatment, as observed by the World Health Organization.
Overcoming Stigmas and Promoting Collaboration
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the urgent need to address the mental health pandemic, particularly in South Africa, where historical, social, and economic factors have contributed to poor mental health outcomes. The challenges include inadequate mental health services, limited access to care, and a shortage of mental health specialists. Efforts are being made to raise awareness, promote integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, and combat stigmas surrounding mental health disorders.
