Westville Girls' High Called for Mental Health Support. The Community Showed Up.
Hundreds of runners. One important cause. And a group of young women determined to make a difference in the Westville community.
On Saturday, 12 September, Westville Girls’ High School rallied the community for a Fun Run that put mental health and wellness firmly in the spotlight. Spearheaded by the school’s Transformation & Diversity Committee in partnership with Westville Athletics Club, the event formed part of Suicide Prevention Month and focused on raising awareness and strengthening community support.
What began as an important conversation became a remarkable show of community support, with more than 450 people arriving to run and walk for a cause that, for many, was deeply personal. Some ran in memory of someone they had lost to suicide. Others came for friends, family members and loved ones whose lives have been affected by it. Every person had their own reason for being there, but for a couple of hours, they each moved forward together.
Mental health struggles and suicide reach into families, friendship circles and communities, but they are becoming an increasingly serious concern among scholars. By choosing to confront such a difficult issue rather than shy away from it, these young women created space for awareness, honest conversation and meaningful support.
“Seeing so many people show up made us feel heard and reminded us that people are willing to have these difficult conversations,” said Lauren Carr, head of the school’s Transformation & Diversity Committee. “We hope this encourages more people to speak openly about what they’re going through, to check in on one another and, most importantly, to reach out for help when things feel too heavy to carry alone.”
The impact of the morning was never meant to end at the finish line. Funds raised will benefit the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as well as Durban and Coastal Mental Health, helping extend the community’s support to organisations working in the mental health space.
But the girls also wanted that support to be felt on the day, inviting Westville business owner Jenna Hoyer of “That Safe Space” to join the conversation. Providing counselling and play therapy for children, adolescents and families, Jenna brought an important local mental health perspective to the event. Also lending her voice to the conversation was Megan from SADAG, further strengthening the mental health support and awareness at the heart of the day.
They also created a “hope board”, giving participants a space to put their reasons for showing up into words. Some wrote the names of people they were running in memory of. Others shared messages of hope and encouragement for anyone going through a difficult time.
Reflecting on the morning, Shelley Residential co-founder Scott Allnatt said, “What impressed us most was seeing a younger generation recognise something that matters deeply within their community and choosing to do something about it. That takes compassion, courage and real community spirit. The girls should be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
And with more than 450 people answering their call, Westville Girls’ High School’s Transformation & Diversity Committee proved that even difficult conversations can bring a community closer together.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, mental health or thoughts of suicide, please don’t carry it quietly. There is help. There are people ready to listen. And however impossible today may feel, you deserve the chance to see what tomorrow holds.
Speak. Be heard. Be seen. Stay.
Call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or visit sadag.org for help and resources.