Laying stepping stones to healing

A Belgravia-based Muslim charity, Warriors of Hope, has launched a wellness centre and counselling helpline.

They will offer healing and a safe haven for bereaved families and support for mental health, says Zeenat Parker who founded the organisation 10 years ago. It offers chaplaincy services at hospitals for bereaved families, runs life skills programmes for schoolchildren and distributes menstrual pads to the needy.

On Sunday, Warriors of Hope unveiled its latest initiatives during its 10th anniversary celebrations.

The wellness centre and the Listening Hearts helpline will operate from the charity’s premises in Veld Road, Belgravia.

The helpline (0800 467300 or 021 013 5182), staffed by volunteer counsellors, will be available from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm, and the wellness centre will be open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm.

The charity’s vision to create support for those in need was guided by the belief that every small action could lead to big changes, said Ms Parker.

“We started out at hospitals assisting children and families to come to terms with life-threatening illness and loss of life. We have helped so many children transition to the next stage of life. Death is one thing that we are so afraid to talk about but the one thing that waits at our doorsteps. When I speak to the public about death, they say don't go there, but children are ready to transition because they have no attachments.”

The charity started a support group in September last year for parents who had lost a child.

“Our goal is to create a supportive environment for those in need. This centre represents hope, resilience and power for the community. Grief and mental health challenges can be overwhelming, but with the right support, individuals can find strength to rebuild and rediscover their purpose and meaning. It is a non-judgemental environment where people can seek support and share. It is a beacon of hope, where tears laughter and stories can be shared and healing can begin.”

Dr Zakira Mukkudem-Sablay, a paediatric specialist at Groote Schuur Hospital’s Adolescent Centre, said mental illness remained widely stigmatised, and many youth were afraid to seek help.

“Adolescent mental health is a topic of concern for me. We suspect that post Covid-19, more adolescents are struggling with mental health. Losing a loved one changes the trajectory of someone's mental health. Being a young person is extremely challenging. Social media is a big challenge amongst teens and adults,” she said, adding that it was important to look out for the signs of mental illness and talk openly about it.

“Listen when the youth give us subtle signs. Emotions are real and shouldn’t be ignored.”