Promoting Mental Wellbeing
South Africa’s national suicide rate is approximately 23.5 deaths per 100,000 people, placing it among the highest on the African continent and one of the higher rates globally
By 2030, You Have Purpose aims to contribute to a measurable shift in South African attitudes toward mental health by breaking stigma, increasing help-seeking behaviour, and strengthening community support nationwide so that conversations about emotional wellbeing become the norm, not the exception.
Through community programmes, public conversations, motivational speaking, and mental health awareness workshops, we are working to build a South Africa where emotional wellbeing is openly discussed and prioritised.Â
Our work promotes mental wellbeing by reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking, and ultimately supporting the reduction of suicide risk across society.
Preventing Suicide
Preventing suicide through early intervention
In South Africa, suicide among adolescents is a serious and growing challenge. National data estimate about 9 deaths per 100,000 young people aged 15–19 — and studies suggest up to 20% of high school learners have attempted suicide at least once. Schools see thousands of attempted cases each year, showing how urgent early intervention and emotional support really are.
We partner with local schools to deliver psycho-educational workshops that build emotional awareness, help learners recognise distress early, and provide practical tools to support mental wellbeing and choose life.
Based on national estimates, reducing adolescent suicide by one third could mean preventing approximately 150 young lives lost each year. This is the human impact we are working toward through school-based early intervention by 2030.
