NORTH GAUTENG MENTAL HEALTH SOCIETY Nellmapius

NORTH GAUTENG MENTAL HEALTH SOCIETY, Nellmapius

About

The North Gauteng Mental Health Society (NGMHS) is a non-profit welfare organisation based in Jan Niemand Park, Pretoria. Established in August 1951, the organisation is affiliated with the South African Federation for Mental Health. Our mission is to enhance and maintain the mental health of the people within the communities we serve. With a vision to empower individuals to attain optimal mental well-being and improve the quality of life, NGMHS works as a dynamic resource for the community.

Throughout the years, NGMHS has evolved and adapted to the needs of the communities, beginning with support for children with intellectual disabilities and expanding to provide comprehensive mental health and social services.

Services

Comprehensive Mental Health Services
NGMHS offers a wide range of mental health services aimed at promoting well-being and providing support to individuals living with mental health conditions. These services include:

• Mental Health Support: Providing care and support to individuals with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and life crises.
• Community Psychiatric Clinics: Offering accessible mental health care through community-based clinics.
• Day Care Services: Providing non-residential day care for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses.
• After Care Services: Community development projects that support individuals and families affected by mental illness and HIV/AIDS.

Social Work Services
NGMHS operates several social work offices, each dedicated to improving the lives of residents in different townships. Services include:

• Community Support: Addressing socio-economic barriers such as poverty, crime, poor health, and underperforming schools.
• Empowerment Initiatives: Helping individuals gain the knowledge, resources, and capacity to self-direct and govern their lives.
• Support for Mental Health Care Users: Providing dedicated support to mental health patients and the social workers assisting them.

Advocacy & Public Education
NGMHS is a leading advocate for mental health issues and regularly engages in public education events to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Through its advocacy department, the organisation:

• Advocates for Mental Health: Promotes awareness and advocates for mental health care policies.
• Community Education: Organises public education events to inform the community about mental health topics, including remote and virtual sessions during the pandemic.

Remote and Virtual Services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NGMHS adapted by offering remote services to continue supporting the community. This includes online consultations, virtual public education events, and ongoing mental health advocacy. As the situation normalised, NGMHS resumed face-to-face operations and public events.