On World Mental Health Day (10th October), we are excited to announce the launch of a new initiative to strengthen child and adolescent mental health in South Africa.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) is an innovative undertaking enabled by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of its Global Health Initiative through the Global Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute.
In partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), local universities, experts, civil society organizations, and local communities, CAMHI works to strengthen youth mental health systems across South Africa.
The goal of CAMHI is to expand access to effective mental health services and resources, build the capacity of professionals and community-based workers, and promote innovative, culturally responsive solutions to support the mental well-being of young people.
CAMHI has also launched a website www.CAMHI.co.za that provides a range of resources and reliable information about child and adolescent mental health for young people, caregivers, parents, educators, and health professionals. The website has practical and helpful information about how to support the psychosocial and emotional well-being of young people.
Prof Jason Bantjes, a Unit Director in the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit (MASTRU), placed emphasis on the importance of developing these online platforms, saying, “Listening to the voices of young people and those with lived experiences of mental health problems is essential. Mental health services and interventions need to be co-designed with young people, otherwise we cannot be sure that the solutions we develop will truly meet the needs and reflect the priorities of the country’s youth.”
In time, the website will expand to include training materials for NGOs, educators, and health professionals who want to build their capacity to meet the mental health needs of young people. These context sensitive and culturally appropriate training materials are currently being developed in partnership with young people, local NGOs, and professionals, and will be available free on the CAMHI website.
CAMHI has also established a youth council consisting of young people living in SA. This council will play an important role in shaping the activities of CAMHI so that the resources developed are youth-centred.