Honouring Areyeng: A Visit That Inspires Action
We recently returned from a visit to Areyeng Residence for their Christmas lunch and year-end gathering, and we are overwhelmed by the dedication, warmth, and dignity we witnessed there. The experience was truly beautiful, providing a profound reminder of the critical work being done.
While we enjoyed spending time with the residents, dedicated staff, and supportive family members, the day offered a glimpse into the difficult realities faced by those in care.
During the lunch, I sat with a person whose father has been a resident for several months. Through tears, this person expressed both joy and remorse: joy in knowing that their father is finally being cared for adequately, and remorse because other family members have refused to support the decision for him to receive care here.
It was also heartbreakingly evident that the majority of residents present had no family or friends visiting them on this special day. Regrettably, this is the sad reality for many organizations that look after the severely mentally ill, where family members often completely disconnect, allowing their father, mother, brother, or sister to become a statistic of mental health care rather than a valued individual.
This visit powerfully reminds us of the vital role organizations like Areyeng play across South Africa. Sadly, many of these homes struggle daily to meet overheads and are in urgent need of assistance, often hampered by the unfortunate stigma attached to mental illness.
About Areyeng: Established in 2004, Areyeng is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) providing long-term, semi-independent living for 40 adults diagnosed primarily with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. More than just a residence (and importantly, not a clinic), its 24 committed staff members treat every resident with dignity, serving as both a consistent place of care and a strong voice for the vulnerable.
A Call to Action: The next time you encounter an organization, home, or residence like Areyeng, we strongly encourage you to reach out. Enquire about their needs, whether small or large. Your support—from volunteering your time to fulfilling a specific material requirement—can make their vital, challenging plight significantly easier to navigate and can help heal the pain of isolation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of Areyeng for allowing us to share in their day and for the indispensable work they do year-round. Thank you for the inspiration!
