Salesian Institute Youth Projects
October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the importance of mental well-being. For organizations like the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP), this is a particularly crucial period to highlight the essential role of psychosocial support in our holistic formation methodology. Our approach ensures that every young person attending our programmes receives the support needed to overcome and cope with challenges, whether they stem from socio-economic hardships or psychosocial struggles.
The last couple of years have vividly illustrated the need for increased psychosocial support for our students and learners, as most of them have faced significant disruptions to their education and personal lives, creating barriers to their future aspirations. Recognizing this, SIYP has made a concerted effort to ensure that our beneficiaries not only continue their education and training, but also build the social and emotional resilience necessary for success in both the classroom and the workplace.
In 2023, we made a significant advancement by launching the SIYP Wellness Centre, staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) and the University of Cape Town (UCT), we provide hands-on experience for final-year students in occupational therapy, social studies, and psychology.
These students complete part of their practical training at our center, and at the same time offering personalized support to our beneficiaries. The Wellness Centre offers a range of services, including one-on-one counseling and psychosocial workshops. The Wellness center benefits from dedicated on site full time qualified Registered Counselors, Occupational Therapists and a Social Worker as part of its team.
“The impact of the Wellness Centre on our beneficiaries has been immeasurable. By offering work readiness and integration programmes, as well as psychosocial support, the center helps young people build the necessary social skills to navigate both academic settings and professional environments with more confidence. These services ensure
that our beneficiaries are not just surviving but thriving, equipped with the tools to manage stress, build positive relationships, and maintain a hopeful outlook on their futures
“As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this October, SIYP remains committed to supporting the mental well-being of our students through tailored, compassionate care. We believe that by addressing the psychosocial needs of our youth, we empower them to unlock their potential and achieve sustainable success in all areas of life,” says Gabriel Hamuy the NEETs Programme Manager and Head of the SIYP Wellness Centre.
For more information on our programmes please contact us @ Email: info@salesianyouth.org.za or go to www.salesianyouth.org
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