Tender Love and Care (TLC), a long-standing NGO based in Table View, will join the City of Cape Town in strengthening efforts to support teen mental health as the City steps up suicide prevention and early intervention programmes amid a sharp rise in mental-health screenings and service use.
The City has intensified its response to teen mental health and suicide prevention following worrying trends in suicide attempts and a significant increase in mental health screenings at City Health facilities.
Between the 2023-’24 and 2024-’25 financial years City Health recorded a marked rise in children and adolescents accessing mental health services, reflecting both increased need and improved access to screening and care.
According to City Health data 24 children under the age of 18 were attended to for suicide attempts in 2024-’25, compared to 18 the previous year. Mental-health screenings for under-18s increased five-fold, from 417 in 2023-’24 to 2 048 in 2024-’25, while mental-health visits rose from 391 to 520 over the same period. Among adults suicide attempts climbed sharply from 50 to 139 cases, underscoring the link between caregiver well-being and child mental health.
Mayco member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham said each statistic represents a young life and a family deeply affected.
Strengthening prevention through schools
Recognising prevention begins long before a crisis, the City is working closely with schools to raise awareness of teen mental health and suicide prevention. Programmes focus on identifying early signs of emotional distress, encouraging help-seeking behaviour, reducing stigma and strengthening referral pathways between schools and health services.
City Health hosted an awareness event at Steenberg High School on Wednesday 18 February, when learners were encouraged to speak openly about their struggles and were given practical tools to cope with stress. The programme aligned with the World Suicide Prevention theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide”, highlighting that suicide is preventable and open, empathetic conversations can save lives.
Learners were reminded that feeling overwhelmed or anxious is not a weakness, and support is available. “Behind every number is a young person who is struggling and a family that is hurting,” said Higham. “Teen suicide is not just a health issue; it is a societal issue that demands compassion, vigilance and collective action. Schools are critical spaces for prevention.”
Community support and TLC’s role
As part of the broader response, TLC will work alongside the City to support vulnerable children and adolescents through community-based care and prevention programmes.
Founded in 1996, TLC is a registered non-profit organisation based in Table View that works daily with children who have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness and substance abuse. The organisation runs educare centres, rehabilitation and skills development programmes, counselling services and outreach initiatives in informal settlements across Cape Town.
TLC also operates a Skills Development Centre, offering an 11-month rehabilitation and education programme for youth recovering from drug addiction, as well as counselling, life-skills training and partnerships such as horse therapy to address anxiety and communication challenges. In addition, the organisation supports families in informal settlements, provides educare services to prepare children for school, and runs a street ministry assisting those living on the streets.
Through ongoing collaboration with schools, police, community organisations and the City, TLC aims to strengthen early intervention and ensure that at-risk children receive the care and support they need.
Access to mental health support
Mental health screening is available at City Health facilities for both children and adults, with clear referral pathways for specialised care, including access to psychologists and appropriate follow-up services.
Parents, caregivers, educators and communities are urged to watch for warning signs such as withdrawal, behavioural changes, mood shifts or expressions of hopelessness. “Protecting our children’s mental health requires everyone to work together,” Higham added. “When we care early, we prevent crisis later.
Residents experiencing emotional distress or who are concerned about a young person are encouraged to visit their nearest City Health facility or seek urgent assistance through emergency services if there is an immediate risk.
