PHRENAID

What Is Phrenaid?

Phrenaid is primarily a support group for Persons Living with Schizophrenia, their families and friends

Phrenaid has a 3-prong approach

1. Support Group, Art Therapy and Relapse Prevention Classes

       The primary purposes of the Support Group meetings are to:

• Provide emotional support and encouragement through empathy and open sharing
• Provide and share information related to Schizophrenia in such areas as coping skills, facilities available, and the like
• Assist with problem-solving by helping members to talk through specific problems and assist with decision-making.
• Observance of South African calendar Health Days, specific to Schizophrenia, with Professional speakers on Mental Health related topics.  Examples are World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, in May and World Mental Health Day, in October

Currently the groups are run on the 3rd Saturday of every month in Westville, Durban. An Annual Community Braai is held mid-year at the Boma in Paradise Valley Nature Reserve. Participation in the Annual Mental Health Walk hosted by KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group. Art Therapy is run weekly for persons living with the challenges of mental illness.  They are facilitated by Dr Hendrik Van Der Walt, a  retired Community Psychiatrist and qualified Art Therapist.  Spaces are limited to 8 persons per session.  Booking is essential. A six session, relapse prevention course is offered at a small fee, to persons diagnosed with Schizophrenia.  This course aims to              empower the person with knowledge about Schizophrenia and its management, and to recognize early warning signs of Relapse.

2.   Assisted Living Programme

Phrenaid has a home in Morningside, Durban, which can accommodate up to 5 males who have Schizophrenia.  The need to be                      stable, with the use of medication, and be capable of independent, or semi-independent living.  Our dream is to have a Half Way House, with a fully functional Psycho-Social Rehabilitation program.

3.   Community Outreach and Professional Education

Phrenaid offers Community Outreach Programs, talks and seminars This includes

• A 2 day, HPCSA accredited CPD program entitled "Schizophrenia  - Community Guidelines"
• Customised programs for the target group's needs
• Webinars relating to Schizophrenia, e.g. see link  https://familysupport.org.za/meetings/#past-meetings
• Pamphlet distribution relating to Schizophrenia and associated topic