Indlela Mental Health (formerly Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth Mental Health)

UNITE — Together for Social Inclusion

UNITE is Indlela's social change programme — focused on uprooting the stigma, discrimination, and bullying that people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities face in their communities, workplaces, and schools. Through awareness campaigns, community education, and advocacy, UNITE works to shift attitudes and create communities where everyone is valued and included. For GBV survivors living with mental health disabilities — who face compounded vulnerability and discrimination — UNITE's work matters deeply.

ILIZWI — The Voice

ILIZWI is Indlela's community-based social work programme. The isiXhosa word means "the voice" — a fitting name for a programme that speaks and acts for people who are often silenced. Social workers provide: intake assessments; individual and family counselling; crisis intervention and referral; trauma support; advocacy; community development; and education on mental health and rights. For GBV survivors who have mental health needs or who are navigating the trauma of abuse, ILIZWI provides a qualified, compassionate, community-embedded support system.

SIYAPHAMBILI — Moving Forward

Siyaphambili means "moving forward" — and this programme operates psychosocial rehabilitation centres in Gqeberha for people with psychiatric and psychosocial disabilities. Day programmes provide structured therapeutic activity, skills development, peer support, and linkage to health services for adults whose mental health conditions — whether pre-existing or trauma-induced — require ongoing support and rehabilitation.

MASAKHANE — Let's Build Together

Masakhane is Indlela's youth and employment programme, providing adolescents and young people with intellectual disabilities access to skills development, and placing adults in supportive/protective employment. "Masakhane" means "let's build together" — reflecting the collaborative spirit of the programme. Protective workshops provide a structured, income-generating environment for adults who cannot access open employment independently.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Indlela has historically advocated for and helped establish schools for children with intellectual disabilities across the Eastern Cape — many of which are now part of the public education system. The organisation also engages the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) and other policy bodies on behalf of its learning partners.

Indlela Mental Health: indlela.org.za / info@indlela.org.za / +27 41 365 0502 / 21 William Street, Gqeberha. Est. 1939. Formerly PE Mental Health Society. Programmes: UNITE (inclusion/anti-stigma), ILIZWI (social work, counselling, crisis referral), SIYAPHAMBILI (psychosocial rehabilitation), MASAKHANE (youth skills, protective employment). GBV crisis: 0800 428 428 (toll-free, 24/7).