About Limpopo Mental Health Society


Limpopo Mental Health Society is a provincial non-profit organisation established in 2003 and it is based in Tzaneen. The main goal of the organisation is to reach as many mental health care users in the Limpopo Province as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalized, with high-quality programmes that deliver long-lasting benefits. LMHS aims to achieve this goal by working in partnership with others NGO’s, government departments and through high performing team whose behaviour reflect the organisation’s values. Whilst the organisation is interested in capacitating centres serving people with mental disability, it has over the past year prioritised rehabilitation programmes for mental health care users, gender-based violence and prevention of the onset of mental health problems through school mental health programme. This is in essence central to everything the organisation does and the approach deployed focuses on both preventative and reactive measures. All measures are aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination attached to mental disability and also actively promote activities which ensure the mental wellbeing of mental health users in their communities and in society generally. 

LMHS’S 5-YEAR MENTAL HEALTH PLAN 

A LONG-TERM VISION TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND OUTCOMES 

Limpopo mental health’s 5-year mental health plan, released in October 2019, is a long-term commitment to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Limpopo, including the services and outcomes for people with mental illness, their families and carers. 

The plan’s goal is that all people of Limpopo experience their best possible health, including mental health. It has four focus areas: 


The plan commits to improving service quality, safety, accessibility and integration with other health and social services. It commits to reducing the number of relapses caused by treatment default and lack of family support. Importantly, the plan recognises that the best outcomes are achieved by involving service users and providers in service design, development and delivery from the outset. 

   MONITORING OUR PROGRESS 

We want to see improved outcomes for individuals and communities across a range of areas including service experience, health and wellbeing, quality of life, social inclusion, participation and economic security. 

We want to know more about the difference our programs and services make in people’s lives. This will help us to understand more clearly what works and what doesn’t work, what needs improving, and what needs to change. LMHS’s 5-year mental health plan commits to monitor and report on outcomes identified in the plan, and to keep strengthening our approach to outcomes and monitoring over time. 



Mental illness brief

Mental illness touches all of our lives at some stage, either directly or indirectly. Many of us have experienced, or have family, friends and colleagues who have experienced, mental illness or mental health issues. 

Mental illness can be a disruptive and challenging experience. Getting treatment, help and support at the right place and the right time is critically important. Some of us might need short-term support, while others may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment to manage symptoms, and then receive support and treatment in the community over a longer period of time. Some people with mental illness may require significant ongoing support throughout their lives. 

We know more needs to be done to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in our community, and to ensure people of Limpopo know they can seek treatment and support. Stigma and discrimination can impact on people’s access to physical healthcare, housing and employment, as well as their sense of connection to the broader community.

MENTAL ILLNESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

In any one year, around one in five South Africans (or 19 per cent of our population) will experience some form of mental illness or disorder. Of this 19 per cent, most (12 per cent) will experience illnesses such as depression or anxiety (‘higher prevalence illnesses’) and return to good mental health in time.  Around four per cent will experience these and other illnesses or disorders (including substance abuse), which can be unremitting and cause major disruption to their lives. Around three per cent of South Africans will experience more severe impacts through illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, severe personality disorders and eating disorders. 

Prevalence of mental illness varies by age. Around 14 per cent of children and young people have mental disorders – most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders. The prevalence of mental illness is highest among 16–24-year-olds (at around 26 per cent) and lowest among people over 65 years old (less than 10 per cent). People with psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia, frequently experience poor physical health, with much higher rates of diseases such as diabetes compared with the broader population. Severe mental illness can also impact on people’s ability to participate in the community, their employment opportunities and their workforce participation.