South Africa — A new Near-to-Peer Emotional Support Programme has been rolled out across South Africa, equipping community members and frontline workers with the skills needed to support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
As the global demand for youth mental health support continues to rise, children and adolescents in South Africa, as in other counties across the globe, are disproportionately affected by trauma, violence, and limited access to care. This programme responds to that urgent need to reduce the demand for specialist mental healthcare by expanding access to early, evidence-based emotional support through trained ‘near-to-peer’ facilitators; these are frontline workers who already work closely with young people in their communities.
The training programme is designed for non-specialist providers, including community workers, and NGO staff, who are already working with young people. Using a stepped-care” approach, the training we have co-developed provides skills to promote optimal emotional and social development and help young people learn evidence-based skills that support their mental wellbeing.
The programme has been developed in close collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council and leading South African community- based organizations, including Grassroot soccer, Community Keepers, School of Hard Knocks, Radio Workshop and Waves for Change. Their deep, on-the-ground experience has been central to shaping a programme that is contextually relevant, culturally responsive, and aligned with the realities facing young people across the country.
The training consists of ten interactive modules delivered over 25 hours, combining theory with active learning methods such as role play, reflection, and real-world application. Participants develop skills in areas including:
- Understanding mental health
- Building supportive relationships
- Self-regulation and coping strategies
- Creating safe, trauma-informed environments
- Working effectively in groups
- Maintaining safety, supervision, and ethical practice
The programme is free and open access, with flexible delivery options. Training can be completed intensively over one week or spread across several weeks, and is available either online or in person, depending on local needs.
The materials have been designed as a scalable set of training materials that will be freely available to NGOs and organizations across South Africa. Developed in partnership with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute , the trainings were designed to be adaptable, culturally relevant, and sustainable over time.
By the end of the training, participating organizations will not only have skilled staff but also strengthened supervision structures and practical tools to ensure quality, safety, and ongoing staff wellbeing. Participants who complete the full programme will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
This initiative represents a significant step toward a more inclusive, community-driven approach to prompting mental health, one that empowers local organizations and individuals to play a central role in supporting the next generation.
About the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative South Africa.
The Child and & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative South Africa (CAMHI SA) is an initiative of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute. CAMHI SA aims to strengthen the mental health of children and youth through evidence-based, locally informed approaches. We promote and support innovative, scalable solutions that are sensitive to the country’s unique context and culture, advancing the prevention, assessment, and treatment of mental health challenges affecting young people. In partnership with local experts, universities, and community organizations, CAMHI SA expands access to effective care and free public resources, while improving training for professionals and non-specialist providers who work with children and adolescents. The initiative is made possible through the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of its Global Health Initiative (GHI).
About the South African Medical Research Council
The SAMRC was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research, and public health studies. The includes research on South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases (including mental health), and interpersonal violence.
