Headroom, an online mental health platform, and Superspar Kuils River have started the “Food for Thought” initiative to connect local concerns with practical information and affordable professional psychosocial support.

A stakeholder meeting took place at Spar’s Beantree Café in September, bringing together teachers and counsellors, community and church leaders, Spar representatives and residents.

Zuzana Heregova of Headroom says discussions explored the effects of harmful betting, financial difficulties, bullying and violence, alongside the challenges facing young people entering employment.

“Participants shared valuable insights into barriers seeking help, particularly cost, accessibility and stigma, as well as limited awareness of available options and the perception that professional support is financially out of reach,” she says. Drawing on sessions conducted through Headroom’s platform, Heregova explained the different psychosocial support options available to the public and addressed common misunderstandings.

“Attendees were invited to help shape future topics and contribute through their networks, expertise or sponsorship,” says Heregova.

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Part of the community

Food for Thought grew out of Superspar Kuils River‘s relationships with its employees and customers. Owner Leigh de Beer and HR manager Marica Burger bring different perspectives: his concern for the long-term wellbeing of the business and its people, and her daily involvement in the personal difficulties employees face.

De Beer says the shop’s relationships with its customers and staff matter to him, and that employing people in a community means becoming part of its ups and downs. Absenteeism, losing experienced staff and pressure on household budgets all affect the business, he says.

“Helping people find and get support earlier makes good business sense, and it gives us a practical way to look after the community that supports us.”

He says there are people across the community who want to improve their lives and are hungry for knowledge and practical advice, which is why Spar is making Beantree Café available for talks that anyone can attend.

“Spar Kuils River will get things started by sponsoring the community website backed by Headroom and two talks in October and November on some of the most pressing issues affecting local people,” says De Beer. “My hope is that this lights a spark and brings other businesses and community leaders on board to sponsor future talks.”

Burger says a missed shift or a change in someone’s work can be the first sign of a much bigger problem. She and her colleagues hear about family conflict, violence at home, gender-based violence, substance use and, increasingly, gambling and online betting that leaves households short of money and families in debt.

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“Sometimes people arrive for work, but worry or exhaustion makes it difficult to concentrate,” she says. “Often these are among our most dedicated employees: people trying to improve their lives and doing so much for their families and communities. Yet they have very little support themselves.”

Some employees reach the point of feeling they must give up their jobs to deal with problems at home, Burger says. “We can listen and care, but we often need somewhere to turn for help beyond what we can offer as an employer.”

Community talks and support

Superspar Kuils River has sponsored two talks at the store’s Beantree Café. The first, on Thursday 22 October at 15:00, covers responsible gambling and betting. The second, on Thursday 12 November at 15:00, will look at bullying and harmful peer pressure at schools.

The talks are free to attend but registration is required. Reserve your seat here.

Heregova says a dedicated Headroom page is central to Food for Thought, designed to give residents an ongoing place to return to for relevant information and affordable therapy, counselling and coaching. The platform provides access to explore practitioner profiles, compare fees and book sessions.

Superspar Kuils River and Headroom have provided the starting point, says Heregova. The longer-term ambition is a lasting local knowledge and support hub, shaped by the concerns residents bring forward. Businesses can sponsor a topic discussion or help employees access professional support. Schools and community organisations can share the page through trusted channels and suggest priorities. Register your interest here.

Visit www.headroom.co.za/affordable-therapy-in-kuilsrivier-counselling-coaching/

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