City hosts anti-suicide campaign to shed light on mental health in vulnerable communities

The Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queer (PFFSAQ), in partnership with the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, recently hosted a powerful Anti-Suicide Campaign in Kimberley. The event aimed to confront the rising challenges of suicide and suicidal tendencies among youth, the LGBTIQA+ community, and the broader society.

The campaign created a space for open conversations about depression, stigma, and the importance of accessing support before reaching a crisis point. Participants emphasised the need for mental health interventions, supportive networks, and community-driven solutions.

PFFSAQ Director Virginia Magwaza delivered a heartfelt message of support, calling on communities, families, and faith leaders to play a greater role in offering counselling, compassion, and understanding.

"Suicide prevention requires collective responsibility," she urged. "We need to reach out and provide safe spaces where individuals feel seen and valued."

Shaine Griqua highlighted the intersection of mental health and social injustices, drawing attention to the prevalence of gender-based violence, corrective rape, and the alarming withdrawal of cases within the LGBTIQA+ community. He stressed that these injustices contribute significantly to trauma and suicidal tendencies, calling for stronger advocacy, accountability, and ongoing support for survivors.

The Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through a range of services, including trauma counselling, safe transport for GBV victims, awareness campaigns, and referrals for justice and healthcare access.

To ensure accessibility, the Centre provides free, confidential counselling via WhatsApp on 062 299 6061. This service offers a safe and immediate way for people in distress to connect with a trained counsellor.

The campaign served as a reminder that mental health matters and that preventing suicide requires every sector of society to act with empathy and urgency. By standing together, Kimberley and the surrounding communities can create a culture of care, protect the most vulnerable, and ensure that no one suffers in silence.