Much like colourful kites twirled by the wind in a whimsical dance, one’s mental health can be equally vulnerable to gusts of emotion and real life experiences that make people dive on a collision course to the bottom.
This was symbolised at the Cape Mental Health’s (CMH) Community Fly held at Heideveld Sports Field as a celebration of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October.
The sheer joyful sight of playful kites surfing the skies of the Cape Flats lured neighbours to this chapter of the Cape Town Kite Festival where children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education and Care Centres in Heideveld, Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain joined, along with other Grade R learners and preschools in the community.
As the CMH’s 29th annual flagship events of October, this gathering raises funds for providing essential, cost-free mental healthcare services to those who require it most.
“This is our way of raising awareness in our communities about the importance of one’s mental well-being and serves as a reminder that there are institutions and resources that offer help to those who seek it,” CMH’s Deputy Executive Officer Carol Bosch told People’s Post at the event.
Mental health is a very difficult topic to many people, Bosch shared, and the Kite Festival is an easier way to introduce discussions on the importance of mental wellness.
In recent years, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there has been increasing acknowledgement of the importance mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the sustainable development goals.
“Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions,” WHO’s statement on World Mental Health Day continues.
edukite competition
Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination and stigma.
“Next-up for more awareness is our EduKite Competition which is a kite-decorating and kite-making competition for learners from mainstream primary schools and schools for children with special educational needs, with monetary prizes to be won by the winning teams. We also urge that these kites be made with special messages that relate to mental health to be broadcasted in the sky, so to speak,” Bosch added, pointing to the flailing kites.
CMH believes that by investing in children and youth, an important foundation for the prevention of mental health disorders is laid by empowering young people to unleash their full potential and pursue their dreams without limitations.
While helping a little boy to fly a kite, Nathan Juries, a volunteer from an auditing firm BDO, echoed similar values on the importance of the day: “I was happy to join the Kite Fest as it speaks to something so important, but easily taken for granted. Mental health is often so overlooked and something we tend to ignore until something horrible happens to us or a loved one.
“It’s important to be attentive about people’s mental well-being at schools, workplaces and every other space in society,” he added.
As we embrace summer, this windy October provides the perfect opportunity to venture outdoors, embrace the thrill of flying a kite, and immerse yourself in a world of play and freedom.
Join CMH in raising awareness by revelling in the magic of kite flying, and create cherished memories while contributing to a worthy cause. Soar high with a kite, capture the magic in photos and videos, and spread messages of inspiration by sharing it on social media by tagging #TheSkyIsYourCanvas and @CTKiteFest.
