WESTERN CAPE NEWS - World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It is a reminder of the importance of good mental health. 

This year’s theme, “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” highlights the importance of ensuring that every person can protect their mental health and access services and support when they need it.

In the Western Cape, this is more than a theme, it is part of our daily work. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has made mental health care a core part of the health system, ensuring that support is available in clinics, hospitals, and communities across the province. 

Caring for mental health is about caring for the whole person - mind and body together.

Mental health screening and support are part of routine primary healthcare. Every day, residents can access counselling, treatment, and referral at their local clinic or community health centre. 

Nurses and clinicians are trained to recognise early signs of distress, depression, and anxiety, and to connect people with the right level of care.

This extends to young people as well who can access adolescent and youth-friendly services at Youth Zones. These facilities are specifically created to be safe spaces for connection and support to the healthcare system. 

Additionally school health teams and community outreach services extend mental health care into schools and neighbourhoods, ensuring that help is available close to home.

As mental health needs become more complex, we are expanding our infrastructure so that people can heal with dignity and access the right level of support. The Western Cape has new acute psychiatric units at Eerste River, Khayelitsha, and New Somerset hospitals currently under construction. 

This will expand services as these 90 beds come online in the next few months.

These will be joined by the upgraded Child and Adolescent Unit at Lentegeur Hospital, which includes a new 10-bed ward. Across the province, upgrades to mental health wards and seclusion rooms are ensuring that people can recover in safe and caring environments. 

This includes facilities in Clanwilliam, Swartland, Oudtshoorn, Caledon, Hermanus, Ceres and Robertson.

Mental health care also extends beyond hospitals. Through partnerships with the Departments of Social Development, Education, and the South African Police Service, as well as NGOs and faith-based organisations, the provincial department provides trauma counselling, post-violence support, and mental health referrals to survivors of violence and gender-based harm. 

At Thutuzela Care Centres in rural and regional hospitals, survivors receive trauma-informed care, including immediate psychological first aid and ongoing mental health support.

Prevention remains our most effective form of care. As part of our Healthcare 2030 vision, mental health services will continue to be integrated across community-based, primary healthcare, and acute hospital platforms. 

The Department of Health and Wellness is committed to meeting the growing need for mental health care by improving access to treatment, counselling, and support at every level of care.

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said, “Good mental health is the foundation for a good life. It affects how we learn, work, love, and connect with one another. This year’s theme reminds us that during times of difficulty, access to mental health services is more important than ever. 

"This is why we continue to invest in services and infrastructure that support healing, build resilience, and strengthen communities. I want to encourage residents to take their mental health seriously. There is no shame in asking for help from your loved ones as most people will experience some mental health challenges in their lives. By coming together around those that need it most, we can build a healthier Western Cape for all.”

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