Last week Thursday passersby were drawn to the Cathedral as the staff of Fort England Hospital busied themselves putting up posters and displaying wooden furniture and household goods, such as cushions, door stops and ironing boards, made by their patients, as part of Mental Health Awareness Day.
Prices for the items ranged from R25 for beaded scatter cushions to R80 for the ironing boards. "All these items have a one-month guarantee.
We also have scarves and beanies made from fleece material," said Nomvuyiso Judith Manyube, an Occupational Therapy assistant at the hospital.
Councillor Nomhle Gaga opened the event on behalf of Makana Executive Mayor, Zamuxolo Peter. Posters displayed information about mental illnesses ranging from epilepsy and dementia to depression.
Flyers explained some of the causes of mental illness and their treatment. After the opening speech, the Litha College choir broke in to song, singing and ululating. One of the patients gave a performance of praise poetry.
"In the hospital calendar, this day is depicted as a mental awareness day, hence we came out to display the goods that have been made by our patients. We are also here to educate people about the causes of such illness," said Nursing Manager Madoda Dyaluvane.
"People have a tendency of thinking that mental illness is a lifetime disease and that people are unlikely to recover – but if the correct medication is taken and the patient is monitored, the patient is likely to recover." Dyaluvane said.
August was Mental Health Awareness Month, during which Fort England would conduct various activities to educate people about mental illnesses and their causes.
Last week Thursday passersby were drawn to the Cathedral as the staff of Fort England Hospital busied themselves putting up posters and displaying wooden furniture and household goods, such as cushions, door stops and ironing boards, made by their patients, as part of Mental Health Awareness Day.
Prices for the items ranged from R25 for beaded scatter cushions to R80 for the ironing boards. "All these items have a one-month guarantee.
We also have scarves and beanies made from fleece material," said Nomvuyiso Judith Manyube, an Occupational Therapy assistant at the hospital.
Councillor Nomhle Gaga opened the event on behalf of Makana Executive Mayor, Zamuxolo Peter. Posters displayed information about mental illnesses ranging from epilepsy and dementia to depression.
Flyers explained some of the causes of mental illness and their treatment. After the opening speech, the Litha College choir broke in to song, singing and ululating. One of the patients gave a performance of praise poetry.
"In the hospital calendar, this day is depicted as a mental awareness day, hence we came out to display the goods that have been made by our patients. We are also here to educate people about the causes of such illness," said Nursing Manager Madoda Dyaluvane.
"People have a tendency of thinking that mental illness is a lifetime disease and that people are unlikely to recover – but if the correct medication is taken and the patient is monitored, the patient is likely to recover." Dyaluvane said.
August was Mental Health Awareness Month, during which Fort England would conduct various activities to educate people about mental illnesses and their causes.
