Mental health support group for women in the city

Two local women have joined forces and combined their expertise to start a mental health support group for women in the city.

Everyone is dealing with mental health issues that have become more apparent over the last two years, largely exacerbated by Covid-19.

Local professional nurse Aleries Rudd, along with qualified crisis and trauma counsellor Sandra Kloppers, will be hosting a free ladies’ support group to help women in the city learn and manage mental health illnesses.

Rudd said she decided to start the group as there is a need for assistance, noting the lack of groups and resources.

“There are many groups that the government has and provides for, but most of them are full to capacity and do not have sufficient resources. There may be situations where people do not get the assistance they need due to the amount of people that there is in these groups.

With the group that we are starting, I have received training and Sandra has vast training and experience. We are working with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag). We will be working along side them to assist women the best we can,” said Rudd.

Rudd stressed there should be no stigma attached to receiving assistance for mental health.

“We want people to get help; there is no stigma that is attached to getting help. Assistance from an outside source also does not allow for judgment. We want our group to be a safe haven for the community, where they will be able to receive the support they need,” said Rudd.

The group hosted its first session on last Thursday, April 28. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 12, at 4pm to 6pm at Msunduzi Hospice, 200 Zwartkop Road, Prestbury.

Anyone wanting to join, can contact Aleries Rudd on 067 184 3950.