Finding ways to cope

“An educator brought a primary school learner to the CK rooms for support. She seemed withdrawn and, after sitting in silence for a while, she started opening up. She shared that things at home were very difficult. Over time, she had started self-harming by making cuts on her arms as a way to cope.

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I let her speak at her own pace and made sure that she felt heard, without judgment. We spoke about safer ways to cope; I gently encouraged her to think about who she could trust at home to speak to and explained that we will also discuss healthy ways to regulate her emotions.

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She came back the following day to thank me and to find out when I will see her again. Her educator also stopped by our rooms to confirm that she seems to be in a better frame of mind.”‘

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In South Africa, 60% of children need wellbeing support yet, it is estimated that only one in 10 are able to access care.