Theme: Creating a Nation with Hope
Date: 10 October 2026
Venue: Kwamthunzi Vilakazi Community Hall, eMalahleni, 1035, Mpumalanga
Attendance: 110 participants (general public, stakeholders, health and social care professionals, young people)
Bringing Communities Together for Mental Health Awareness
Phoenix Support Centre proudly hosted its 2nd World Mental Health Awareness Day on 10 October 2026 at the Kwamthunzi Vilakazi Community Hall, eMalahleni, welcoming 110 attendees for a day of awareness, learning, reflection and community engagement.
The programme brought attention to mental health challenges affecting our communities, including young people, families, schools and workplaces. Guided by the theme “Creating a Nation with Hope,” the event brought mental health conversations into the heart of the community, encouraging greater understanding of mental health conditions, the relationship between mental and physical health, neurodiversity and the importance of hope in supporting individual and community wellbeing.
The programme was directed by Gusheshe (Bongani Mahlangu), who guided participants through the day's activities, presentations, performances and discussions.
Inspiring Contributions from Speakers
From breaking the stigma surrounding mental health to discussing GBV, substance abuse, neurodiversity, parenting support and workplace wellbeing, the day reinforced the importance of listening, understanding and supporting one another.
The event opened with a prayer, followed by a welcome address from Right Honourable Councillor Ms Anna Mtsweni, setting the tone for a day focused on awareness, collaboration and community support.
Mrs Martha Shongwe, Psychotherapist, Author, Founder and CEO of Phoenix Support Centre, outlined the purpose of the day and reinforced the importance of creating a society in which mental health is understood, discussed openly and treated with compassion.
Mr Mandla Shongwe, Advance Clinical Practitioner, Psychiatric Practitioner and Phoenix CFO & Governance, delivered a presentation introducing mental health conditions and later led a session exploring the theme of hope. His contributions encouraged reflection on mental health awareness, access to support and the importance of recognising when help is needed.
Ms Ntombizodwa Ngwenya, Counsellor, explored the relationship between mental health and chronic illnesses, highlighting an important aspect of holistic wellbeing: mental and physical health should not be considered in isolation.
Later in the programme, Mrs Martha Shongwe returned to discuss neurodiversity, broadening the conversation around understanding and supporting people with different neurological profiles.
Open Conversations and Community Participation
Panel discussions provided an opportunity to explore mental health issues from different perspectives. The open-floor question-and-answer session, under the theme “Fallen Heroes,” created space for reflection, questions and wider discussion.
These sessions reinforced the importance of listening to lived experiences, challenging stigma and recognising that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. The programme also explored barriers to sharing diagnosis and help-seeking, including stigma, cultural expectations, shame and fear of judgement. The importance of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration between healthcare professionals and community services was also emphasised.
The event encouraged participants to consider how families, community organisations, healthcare practitioners and other stakeholders can contribute to supportive environments where people feel safe to seek help.
Key Areas of Learning
The programme highlighted several important priorities for mental health awareness and community support:
Greater mental health literacy: Improving understanding of mental health conditions and encouraging informed conversations.
Integrated wellbeing: Recognising the connection between chronic physical illnesses and mental health.
Neurodiversity and inclusion: Promoting understanding, respect and support for people with diverse neurological needs.
Reducing stigma: Encouraging open discussion and challenging the shame and misconceptions that can prevent people from seeking help.
Community engagement: Creating opportunities for questions, shared reflection and dialogue.
Hope and recovery: Reinforcing the importance of compassionate support and access to appropriate services.
A Measurable Reach of 110 Attendees
With 110 people in attendance, the event provided a valuable platform for bringing people together around a shared commitment to mental health awareness.
The attendance figure represents the event's confirmed reach. The presentations, performances and interactive discussions provided opportunities to increase awareness, exchange perspectives and encourage continued engagement with mental health issues.
The longer-term impact will be reflected in continued community conversations, access to appropriate support, stronger collaboration and the practical application of the knowledge shared during the event.
Appreciation and Acknowledgements
Phoenix Support Centre extends its sincere gratitude to Right Honourable Councillor Ms Anna Mtsweni, all speakers, the programme director, panel contributors, attendees and everyone who contributed to the event.
Special appreciation goes to the team whose commitment helped bring the programme together and advance the message that mental health deserves attention, understanding and collective action.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Mandlenkosi Mahlangu, Phoenix Marketing and Coordinator, followed by closure and prayer.
Continuing the Journey: Creating a Nation with Hope
The 2nd World Mental Health Awareness Day reaffirmed Phoenix Support Centre's commitment to promoting mental health awareness, challenging stigma and encouraging communities to support people experiencing mental health difficulties.
As Phoenix Support Centre looks ahead, the message remains clear: building healthier communities requires us to speak openly, listen without judgement and support one another.
Let’s Talk. Let’s Listen. Let’s Support.
A healthier mind. A stronger community. A brighter future.
Phoenix Support Centre — Creating a Nation with Hope.
Website: www.phoenixsupportcentre.org
Email: admin@phoenixsupportcentre.org