Mental health campaign

PARTICIPANTS in a 12-hour Swimathon hosted by mental health campaign Swim for Change (Keep Your Head above Water) covered 775km as part of raising mental health awareness.

The event was held at Wynberg Boys’ High School to promote support for mental health issues.

This was done through raising funds to pay for expert speakers to address schools on anxiety and teen suicide. Swim for Change was founded by Christopher Kleynhans, an open water swimmer and his lifelong friend Reece Slade, who were then 11 years old and in Grade6.

This concept came about when Kleynhans decided to combine his open-water swimming ability with his desire to provide a helping hand to those that needed it.

The organisation’s director, Chanelle Kleynhans, said: “He believed that all people had it within their power to make a positive difference and when one does what one loves, the sense of purpose is huge. The boys are both 15 years old now and this year’s big focus is to take their activism into schools, starting in the Western Cape, to initiate and develop learner mental health and well-being policies.

“Participation has definitely grown, but we would like to see even more young people participating.

“Our next Swimathon will take place on April 13, at Reddam House, Constantia, and we would like to challenge all schools to participate.”

According to Kleynhans, the event exceeded funds raised by the 2017 and 2018 Swimathons.

“The atmosphere on the day was fun and positive, even though the weather made conditions challenging.”