annual review 2015/2016pmbmhs.org.za. · pietermaritzburg mental health society annual review...

P I E T E R M A R I T Z B U R G M E N T A L H E A L T H S O C I E T Y | A N N U A L R E V I E W 2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6

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A N N U A L R E V I E W 2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH SINCE 1945…..In 2015, The Pietermaritzburg Mental Health Society celebrated its 70th year in service to persons with mental disabilities, and it has continued to provide valuable services to promote the rights and abilities of persons with mental disabilities and work with people to empower and improve their quality of life. The 70th Anniversary celebration was held in conjunction with the Society’s Sport Day which is always a great highlight in the diary and was a way of including everyone in the celebration. The releasing of 70 green balloons was memorable and then of course all the medals won at the Sports Day and the cupcakes for tea!

Services ProvidedThis has been a challenging year for the Social Work centre. Sihle Kraai, Social Work manager resigned in April 2015 and the Social Workers had to adapt different expectations and work together as a team in order to fulfill the goals that were set. This year saw 113 new intakes and services rendered to 1085 service users plus their families. A new Social Work Manager Lungile Masuku was appointed in November 2015.

Due to the society’s financial constraints, Social Workers have been encouraging service users to make use of the Social Work Centre for consultations and Social workers reduced their home visits to reduce costs although regular visits still continued. Social Workers still provide services in clinics and community halls for rural areas. In January 2016 the areas of operation were reviewed and social workers took on different areas of work which means they were stimulated to work differently and to do new types of work. As part of the restructure, cases were reviewed and 598 services were terminated.

Social workers have provided supportive services to many service users who have had new opportunities in the open labour market, whilst others were recruited to join the Advocacy Movement. Group work is an ongoing service in the facilities to enhance knowledge and life skills. Community Projects and support groups continue in the outlying areas, where Social Workers facilitated 4 community projects, 2 groups and 7 support groups.

Community Awareness Programmes Many members of the public were reached through the SA Federation’s awareness months in July October and March and also the Casual Day fundraising.

More than 62 talks reaching almost 5000 people were given in Schools, MHS facilities, and clinics in rural communities, community halls, and hospitals, state departments for staff, businesses and at some organized business breakfasts. Awareness campaigns were organized at various city malls, and also at Varsity College and the Love to Live Campaign.

Number of Index Service Users Receiving Direct ServiceAfrican Coloured Indian White TOTAL

M F M F M F M FCase Load 496 254 19 16 68 69 83 79 1 084Intake 69 34 0 1 6 0 2 1 113Closed Files 263 141 13 6 70 34 47 24 598Total 828 425 32 23 144 117 132 104 1 795Race Total % 69 3 15 13


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AdvocacyThe Advocacy Movement has 35 members. They have regular meetings where they are educated on issues regarding their rights and information of importance. Members are encouraged to advocate on their own behalf.

Mr Siyabonga Sithole from JT House was voted in as the Provincial Representative for KZN and Mary Hall as the deputy. The members adopted a pledge “Together we stand” and those who did not previously sign the hate speech posters, were given another opportunity to sign.

PMB MHSADVOCASY MOVEMENT

35 MEMBERSMANAGERSWORKSHOPMEETINGS

MANAGERSRESIDENTIAL

MEETINGS

SA FEDERATIONJHB REPRESENTATIVE

(1)

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

REPRESENTATIVE(1)

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

RESIDENTIAL REPRESENTATIVETHE PALMS (7)

P PILLAY (4)JT HOUSE (4)

SUNNYSIDE FAMR (2)STAFF SUPPORTERS (6)

EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVESMH MOOSA (4)

BUXTON (3)INKANYEZI (5)

STAFF SUPPORTERS (3)

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES (4)

STAFF SUPPORTERS (2)

ADVOCACY MOVEMENT PLEDGE

TOGETHER WE STANDWe will not tolerate name calling

We will report abuseWe will be role models

We will respect each otherWe will respect the staff

We are all the same

Residential advocacy committees met monthly and discussed matters needing attention and to reflect on positive occurrences at the home. The elected residential representative attended the facility’s monthly management meetings with the programme manager, and provided suggestions, requests and feedback. In this way the residents are empowered and problems are resolved to ensure a happy living environment for the MHCUs. These elected members represented their facilities at the Advocacy Movement meetings allowing them the opportunity to voice their opinions

Each workshop has an elected advocacy committee. The function of the committee was to bring service users concerns in the Workshop to the forefront. Each committee consists of three office bearers and seven members attending the monthly meetings of the workshop. Planning was done on a consultation basis with service users in this way they are involved in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the service provided by this programme.

RESIDENTIALResidential care is an essential service that provided accommodation, care and protection to 217 mental health care users at the six residential facilities. 12 new residents were admitted and 5 were discharged to return to their families whilst 4 residents died. Due to medical problems, 5 residents requiring intensive medical care and supervision were transferred to the Frail Care Centre which now has its full capacity of 23.Many challenges were faced with regards to the health care of the residents. As they age, more frequent visits to the hospital and clinics as well as admissions were required. 13 residents were admitted to the primary health care hospital and 2 to the psychiatric hospital.

Five residents were fortunate to have continued working in the open labour market, two as laundry assistants with a cleaning company, two as shelf and till packers at a supermarket and one at a steel company. Despite


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From left to right; residents spending a day out at the city park,a picnic with Joan Tennant residents and two residents visiting Howick Falls

A Heritage day function was held at P Pillay. Everyone dressed in

their traditional clothes and had fun performing their traditional dances

& songs

Resident Bennie participates in a 5km Duzi Park Run every

Saturday. Pictured on the right is Bennie(in

the green T-shirt) in action!

many difficulties they persevered with support and motivation. Congratulations to all who have managed to remain in employment and thank you to the staff for providing their support and encouragement to them.

Training and Skills DevelopmentLife skills training is on-going in the residences. Residents were updated on health and safety issues. They participated in fire prevention training and fire drills were done quarterly in all facilities. According to the needs of the residents, several talks were provided on maintaining their mental health, coping with stress, bullying, responsibilities, etiquette and budgeting .

Residents attended the protective workshops and were involved in contract work, craft and recreation. Several were also trained in the Work Skills Training conducted at the workshops. Being a home away from home 43 residents regularly participate in duties such as kitchen assistants, gardening, duties on the farm, maintenance in and around the facility for which they receive a small stipend for their efforts.

Programmes and ActivitiesResidents with a disability are often financially restricted, and especially isolated. Regular outings and events are planned to expose the service users to the larger community and encourage inclusion. All staff members have worked hard and consistently at establishing and maintaining a daily programme of activities.

Daily stimulation activities such as passive & active exercises, ball skills, walking and reality orientation are conducted. Regular medical health checks for blood pressure, sugar levels and weight were done. A book club and storytelling evening was introduced at JT House, and they also visit the public library every 2 weeks

Religious days and special events on the calendar were observed and celebrated within the facilities and the community. Outings were organized to the Tombola, Royal Show, Howick Falls, Alexander Park and Botanical Gardens. The annual tombola held at P Pillay always with lots of money spent and an abundance of food.

Indoor and outdoor games were also planned such as soccer, cricket, netball, running and swimming, residents participated in the swimming gala. The sports day is always a highlight and eagerly anticipated to with loads of fun and meeting old friends.

Mencap VisitThe visit by Mandy McQueenie and Zac Taylor (pictured on the right) from MENCAP in the UK, an organization for persons with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom, was the highlight for The Palms. They spent 10 fruitful days with the staff and residents as they shared their experiences and expertise with the aim of working to help improve our services. Their visit has definitely impacted positively on all and has created an enthusiasm amongst the staff and residents to continue with some of their suggestions. A daily/early evening programme of activities has been established and is going well such as the breakfast


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Sunnyside residents with crafts and enjoying some recreation

Thanks go to one of the parents Mrs Malzahn, who arranged for German

exchange students to visit the Palms to enjoy a morning of painting with the residents. Everyone had an opportunity to place their hand into the water paint and leave a hand print on a huge piece

of art paper.

Community OutreachThe constant exposure and integration of the service users in the community has reduced the stigma of the mentally disabled as they are accepted as people rather than people with disabilities. The community are fast becoming more aware of their abilities as service users are often invited to participate in sport and recreational activities organised by the community. Residents from P Pillay were invited to the Open day organized by the Northdale Community Health Care clinic as part of the outreach programme. Ten residents attended and performed two items of dance to 70 community members. They clearly impressed those in attendance with their display of cultural skills and talent. Fifty residents were invited to the 65th birthday celebration off Mrs Lakraj, a regular donor at P Pillay.

Fundraising and DonationsFundraising was not always possible due to the slow growth in the economy. There is no doubt that irrespective of the size of the donations it is always appreciated and we have been fortunate thus far to have the community constantly donating in both cash and kind. These donations contribute to improving the quality of life of the residents.

club and the literacy group. For many it is a new experience and a new skill to learn. Thanks to Mandy and Zac the Society has started with One Page Profiles which is a way of recording and getting to know what residents want in their lives and this has been introduced for all the residents as staff are trained .

At JT House the staff continued to support the residents with their independent living and social skills. Residents were supported and trained by staff to manage their budget more effectively so that they had enough supplies throughout the month. The challenge was providing a healthy and varied diet on such a small budget per person.

The annual tombola held at P.Pillay depends on donations from the community to be successful and all were enthusiastic about the event and the food donated to the Society. Pictures right some of the donations received from sponsors


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New linen brightening up the rooms at Lyn House purchased from a donation from the Victor Daitz Foundation.

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME This programme provides services to three hundred and ninety six (396) beneficiaries in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas in the following ways:

Contract WorkEach of the protective workshops has trained service users in the simple tasks that ensure that the companies who contracted with us receive an efficiently done task where there are no mistakes. During the year Buxton Workshop acquired two new contracts. The new Unitag contract required assembling various components for electric fences. The other new contract, with Teeanem Printers, involved folding and gluing small cardboard containers. These were then counted, packaged and sealed in boxes for delivery [hese are important skills for service users to learn!].

Business PartnersThe Society acknowledges the on-going relationship with Papini Trading, GUD Filters, Matelec and Twincare group continued to supply work to the Protective workshops. Contract work continues at Asmalls Distribution Centre on a daily basis, where garments are ticketed. Ad hoc contract work from Preformed Line Products, Ramsay Engineering, Wildlands Trust, Deccan Rd Primary School, Comrades Marathon, Venn’s Attorneys, Community Chest and Rosedale Precast Fencing

Wirework contract from Rosedale Assembling Matelec cable glands at Buxton Workshop

AwarenessThe workshops were promoted and publicised at shopping malls like Northway Mall, Cascades, Parklane Centre, Brookside Mall and Edendale Mall. Learners from Newton and Peter Pan Schools were invited to visit Buxton Workshop in order to see the work done and meet the service users. HS Ebrahim Training Centre and Open Gate Training Centre visited MH Moosa Workshop to learn what work is being done there. A presentation was done at the Ekukhanyeni Training Centre and parents of the learners were invited to visit Inkanyezi Workshop and see the work that the MHCUs are involved in.

Open Days were held at the workshops to combat the stigma and teasing of mental health care users as they walk to and from the workshop. This was done by educating the local school learners and pupils on the rights of persons with mental disabilities. Local businesses were contacted to promote and obtain new contracts for the workshops. The workshops once again hosted visits by students training in ministry, from the Seth Moleketi Seminary.

ActivitiesThe Workshops celebrated religious ceremonies like Easter, Eid, Diwali and Christmas and other days such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s day, Father’s Day and Heritage Day, to remember the importance of family and friends.

Song and dance are an integral part of every culture and at each Workshop this is included in their recreational outings and activities. Visits to places of interest, including visits to fast food restaurants, afford them


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Work Skills TrainingWork experience training opportunities are continuing with Capitol Caterers and Bidvest Cleaning, hopefully resulting in some placements in paid employment with these employers in the future.

During 2015, 54 service users completed their training in the Work Skills Training Programme having attended all 5 modules. Other skills development programmes also endeavoured to empower service users by teaching them to sign their names, and to communicate in English. Above, graduates proudly display their certificates received for their work skills training course and right, service users enjoying the reading programme.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations Christmas celebrations at the various Workshops

exposure to activities many will not experience otherwise. There was a demonstration of drumming and dance from volunteers in the community, indicating the interest shown by the community members in providing entertainment to all in the protective workshops.

Supported Employment Currently 35 service users have been placed in part-time or full-time jobs in the open labour market, utilising 16 companies. who come from the Imbali area. Some of the problems encountered in the open labour employment are familiar to all such as: absenteeism and insubordination alcohol abuse and debt. The society’s employment officer and social worker are there to assist both the employer and employee in these instances, in tolerance and understanding! The Society appreciates companies such as Envande Rubber Factory who employ the most persons with a disability also Bidvest Cleaning, Capitol Caterers, Rogue Steel and Installation & Construction

Fundraising and DonationsVarious fundraising activities took place during the year, cash as well as donations in kind such as oil, flour, sugar, milk powder and cooked meals were gratefully received from the community. However due to the economy it was difficult to improve on the fundraising efforts. A highlight this year was the donation from Assmang Cato Ridge Works; who donated tools & equipment worth R150 000-00, for our work skills training programme for use in all 5 training modules. This is will be used in the workshops skills training rooms. Also Buxton Workshop received a major facelift with the help of Crescent Car Sales, a regular donor to the Workshop, floors were tiled, ceiling repaired and heaters, chairs, table cloths blankets and cupboards were donated. Grateful thanks to the company’s director and his staff for this wonderful gesture and their contributions that have changed the lives of many awaited by attendees at all workshops.


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CHALLENGESThe employment programme has many challenges to meet to keep running well and at a high standard. These challenges are mostly about financing and providing quality training to staff and service users.

PERSONNEL

TrainingThis Society believes that on-going staff training is a vital investment in staff members ability to ensure that a quality service is provided.Workshop instructors attended the Train The Trainers Workshop to implement Work Skills training for service users. The Social Workers’ training was registered with the SA Council for Social Service Professionals to ensure that they receive the required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Most caregivers and instructors received training and completed one of three modules of training.

Capacity Building The Society continues to be in demand for practical opportunities for social work and social auxiliary work students. The Social Work Centre trained 7 students in 2015-2016 from UNISA and Zigna and whilst students from the Methodist Seminary did practical training in the facilities

FUNDRAISING AND DONATIONSTea for Two at Aintree Lodge, 25 March The first fundraiser for 2015 was Tea For Two, held at the Aintree Lodge in Scottsville. Some 30 guests enjoyed home made treats and the guest speaker, Lois Swart, shared some very interesting and informative facts about ageing bones and how we can keep ourselves healthy !

Business Breakfast at Redlands Hotel 24 JulyAfter a great breakfast, Philippa Manning from the Society and Tracey Visser, an Educational Psychologist at the University of KZN, presented Stress in the Workplace, a topic which is very relevant in all business sectors. They ensured that guests left well informed about stress and ways to combat stress!

Fundraising remains a challenge within the NGO sector. Self-sustainability seems to be an impossible dream, as the Society has had to utilise its reserve funds and also sell a property to ensure that services continue at an acceptable level.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Society remains grateful to The Department of Health and The Department of Social Development for their continued support in the form of subsidies. The Society also thanks all donors, individuals, families and professionals who contributed cash, kind or services, large or small and for the meaningful way that they contributed. There are many unsung heroes who have committed themselves in many different ways to the uplifting of persons with disabilities.

We acknowledge: PMB & District Community Chest, Victor Daitz Foundation Key Truck & Car (PMB)Ken Collins Trust, Austen Smith Trust. Greenacre Trust ,Supreme Glass and Aluminium Edna Burford Trust for their generous support and grateful thanks to Crescent Car Sales, and Assmang Cato Ridge Works; for donations in kind and equipment and to J Leslie Smith Inc and Tomlinson, Mnguni James Inc for legal services.

The Society is indebted to the Board of Management under the chairmanship of Mr A Naidoo for their dedicated and voluntary service. A special vote of thanks go to the entire staff team for their hard work, often in difficult circumstances, and to all our volunteers and loyal contractors who provide vital services especially Capitol Caterers and Bidvest Services.

Donations received from Community Chest.


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annual review 2015/2016pmbmhs.org.za. · pietermaritzburg mental health society annual review...

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