Improving the Mental Health of Vulnerable Women in Low-Income Communities in Johannesburg

The project delivers 8-hour group therapy workshops utilising storytelling and community support to foster resilience and connectedness. By conducting ten workshops with approximately 50 women in each session, the project sought to drastically reduce symptoms of clinical depression and improve the psychosocial well-being of participants. Results from the project intervention showed a significant improvement in depression scores, with many women moving from “severe” or “moderate” categories of depression to “minimal” symptom levels for project beneficiaries. A key success has been the project’s ability to forge strong community partnerships across various locations, such as Diepsloot, Zandspruit, and Alexandra, ensuring the project reaches those in greatest need.