Durban and Coastal Mental Health

18/03/2026

Yesterday, Durban and Coastal Mental Health (DCMH) proudly celebrated World Social Work Day with our incredible team of social workers.

It was a day filled with reflection, connection, and appreciation for the vital role our social workers play in supporting individuals, families, and communities across our region.

Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu — I am because we are — we were reminded that social work is not just a profession, but a calling rooted in compassion, dignity, and human connection.

Every day, our social workers walk alongside those facing mental health challenges, poverty, trauma, and social exclusion. They give a voice to the unheard, restore hope where it is needed most, and ensure that no one feels alone.

The celebration most importantly gave us an opportunity to reconnect as a team, strengthen our bonds, and acknowledge the emotional strength and resilience required in this important work.

To all our social workers: we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you for your unwavering commitment to serving others.

09/03/2026

📢 Stakeholder Engagement on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill

Durban and Coastal Mental Health recently hosted an important stakeholder engagement session bringing together mental health service users, parents , social workers and management ,Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), and members of the Mental Health Review Board.

The purpose of the session was to create a platform for collective discussion and meaningful input into the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill. Participants shared their experiences, insights, and recommendations to ensure that the voices of people living with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities are reflected in the legislative process.

This collaborative engagement forms part of Durban and Coastal Mental Health’s commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and the protection of human rights for persons with mental health conditions and disabilities.

The inputs gathered during the session will contribute to DCMH’s formal submission to the South African Law Reform Commission, helping to ensure that policy and legislation are informed by the lived experiences of service users, families, and community organisations.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who participated and contributed to this important dialogue. Together, we continue to strengthen advocacy for dignity, protection, and equal rights for persons with disabilities.

16/02/2026

https://dcmh.org.za/dcmh-unveils-new-identity-and-digital-platform/

16/02/2026

DCMH unveils new identity and secure digital giving platform.

https://dcmh.org.za/dcmh-unveils-new-identity-and-digital-platform/

07/02/2026

25/12/2025

Season’s Greetings from Durban and Coastal Mental Health

As we come to the close of the year, Durban and Coastal Mental Health extends sincere appreciation to all our stakeholders, partners, staff, donors, service users, and communities for your continued support.

Your commitment enables us to uphold dignity, compassion, and quality care for persons living with psychiatric illnesses and intellectual disabilities, as we continue to nurture, rehabilitate, and reintegrate.

May this Christmas bring peace, renewal, and hope to you and your loved ones.

Warm festive wishes,
Mbonisi Sibisi
Chief Executive Officer
Durban and Coastal Mental Health

________________________________________

Imikhonzo Yonyaka Omusha noKhisimuzi evela eDurban and Coastal Mental Health

Njengoba siphetha unyaka, iDurban and Coastal Mental Health idlulisa ukubonga okukhulu kubo bonke ababambiqhaza, ozakwethu, abasebenzi, abaxhasi, abasebenzisi bezinsiza kanye nemiphakathi ngokweseka kwenu okuqhubekayo.

Ukuzibophezela kwenu kusenza sikwazi ukuqhubeka nokugcina isithunzi, uzwelo, kanye nokunakekelwa okuseqophelweni labantu abaphila nokugula komqondo nokukhubazeka ngokwengqondo, njengoba siqhubeka nokuthi sinakekele, sivuselele, siphinde sibahlanganise emphakathini.

Sengathi lo Khisimusi ungaletha ukuthula, ukuvuseleleka nethemba kini nakwimindeni yenu.

Izilokotho ezinhle zonyaka,
Mbonisi Sibisi
Chief Executive Officer
Durban and Coastal Mental Health

02/12/2025

Today marked a truly wonderful moment of reaping of a vision that began on Mandela Day—our collaborative project between Durban and Coastal Mental Health (DCMH) and Agric Africa Development (AAD).

Our initiative, now proudly named “From the Garden to the Kitchen”, is designed to strengthen sustainability across DCMH centres by producing fresh, nutritious vegetables that will directly support the wellbeing of our residents.

This year, AAD launched the first phase of the programme at the Sherwood Hostel, establishing a thriving gardening project and providing hands-on training to our staff. Their commitment to agricultural development and community upliftment has already laid a strong foundation, with plans to expand the programme within Sherwood and roll it out to other DCMH centres in the near future.

This milestone reflects the power of partnership, skills development, and sustainable food production—ensuring healthier meals, empowered staff, and greener spaces for our residents.

20/11/2025

We are proud to announce that our Chief Social Worker, Ms Pinky Mhlongo, delivered a powerful presentation at the 8th Annual Africa Global Mental Health Institute Conference, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel from 17–19 November 2025.

Presenting under the theme “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Transgenerational Trauma in Africa,” Ms Mhlongo shared insights from her paper:
✨ “When Home Isn’t an Option: Long-Term Residential Care for Psychosocial Disabilities in South Africa – An 80-Year Study from DCMH.”

👏 DCMH applauds Ms Mhlongo for her exceptional contribution, which continues to elevate our work and strengthen our impact in the mental health sector.

The knowledge gained and partnerships formed at the conference will play a vital role in enhancing DCMH’s programmes and interventions.

We remain committed to advancing mental health care and championing psychosocial disability support across South Africa.

18/10/2025

Celebrating the World Mental Health Month 2025🥰

13/10/2025

Durban and Coastal Mental Health and DUT partnered to provide the students with counselling and educational services as they go to exams.

This comes at a very critical time where students feel overwhelmed and on occasions some even feeling suicidal.

“Let’s talk, Talk to someone , It’s fine to cry , it’s okay to be emotional “

Get in touch with DCMH for Help !

10/10/2025

Durban and Coastal Mental Health met today with its employees across all the centres and programmes as part of its organisational strategy to respond to the employees wellness.

The meeting was to engage staff on the below:
1. State of the organisation and the centres
2. Report on key developments in the organization
3. Staff benefits and conditions of employment

This allowed for a robust and frank discussion amongst the staff of DCMH.

Lastly and most importantly, the event allowed for the staff to acknowledge the World Mental Health Day.

10/10/2025

HEY DUT STUDENTS!

🧠 Durban and Coastal Mental Health, in collaboration with the Student Counselling Centre, invites you to join us for World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10 October 2025!

📍 Alan Pittendrigh Library (Steve Biko Campus) & BM Patel Library (ML Sultan Campus)
🕧 11:30 – 13:30

Enjoy interactive activities, study tools, and exam prep tips to help you stay balanced and positive this exam season. 💚