Youth Month: Mental health & unable to find work

The Talking Point

June being Youth Month, we turn our focus to mental health. According to UNICEF's 2023 U-Report, 60% of South African youth needed access to mental health support services. Young people between the ages of 15 - 24 are the most at risk (70%). Young people face many challenges that affect their mental health and leads to self-harm: violence, poverty, substance abuse, unemployment, loss of parents and bullying - amongst others.

We see many young people who simply can’t find jobs after their training or qualifications are complete. We have seen many of them stand on street corners with boards and posting on social media, seeking help. According to the U-Report Youth Pulse, 48% young people are anxious about how they will develop their skills to attract employment opportunities. What is this doing to their mental health and well-being? How are they expected to cope if there is a lack of access to support tools?

Guest : Inga Nieuwoldt - Educational Psychologist

Guest: Dune de Blaar - Youth Coach for the Basic Support Package programme, a joint project implemented by DG Murray Trust, the University of Cape Town and the University of Johannesburg.