NCMHS History
The Kimberley and Northern Cape Mental Health Society (presently the Northern Cape Mental Health Society) was founded in 1951 in response to the need within the community for specialized mental health services. This organisation did pioneering work in providing these services and remains actively involved. It was formed by a dedicated group of volunteers after surveying the need for the service. Volunteers, as members of the executive, still dedicate their time and effort to the aims and objectives of the organisation.
This service was primarily a social work service. Through this service, which still exists, the social workers identified a serious need for facilities to train children and Jannie Brink School was founded in 1960. This again was pioneering work as special schools were only beginning to be established in South Africa. These schools were not evenly distributed throughout the country and we initially rendered a service to persons living with an Intellectual Disability (service users).
From the training given at this school, the need for work and protected opportunities for persons with an Intellectual Disability was realised and Yonder was established in 1966. Without fear of contradiction, it can be stated that this was real pioneering work, as even Government had no policy regarding the care of the service users. Our early history, and current realities, reflects constant deliberations with Government regarding policy, subsidisation, etc (This is now again the case with new developments in our country). From humble beginnings, Yonder has developed into a haven for adult persons living with an Intellectual Disability where the service users really have a life, which is worth living. In terms of subsidisation Yonder may accommodate 230 service users in the hostels and another 40 workers may attend the workshops on a daily basis. We can therefore offer 270 adult service users with a refuge as well as creative and rewarding work. However, these facilities are not adequate to cater for the entire need in our province.
Kimberley Training Centre was founded in 1985 and Boitumelo School in 1989. Today approximately 560 learners receive educational training. These are schools for learners with special needs.