Cape Town, March, 14, 2019: There are many barriers to mental health services throughout the world. Stigma (awkwardness at approaching doctors), limited public awareness, lack of resources, prohibitive costs, and challenges around finding the right service, and even phone number, are real. The internet has helped many by offering a private way to reach out that sidesteps the need first to overcome one's reluctance to share embarrassing and personal details with your doctor. Unsurprisingly, more and more people turn to the internet to find nearby therapists and clinics. Unfortunately, many of the directories and online resource lists available are plagued by problems. They are often managed by people outside of the mental health profession and hence are prone to misrepresenting critical aspects of the field. Others prove unreliable in that they contain outdated information or run on ancient technology that renders them difficult to navigate. TherapyRoute.com, a South African start-up, is changing this by developing a sophisticated online global platform that automatically displays your nearest therapists and other mental health service providers. The database includes clinicians and providers from all around the world. Search results are cleverly listed by distance from the visitor and are easily refined. TherapyRoute.com founder, Enzo Sinisi notes that "many people looking for services don’t know what kind of help they need. Reaching out can be confusing, and this is why we have placed a huge focus on developing an easy and relevant search that does not offer a ton of intimidating options". Results can be refined by the kind of therapist, the client group, issues treated and, perhaps most importantly, language. Communicating in your mother tongue can make therapy less daunting. The site also indicates which providers offer online services and allows users to filter results by private and non-profit facilities. According to Sinisi, "for a directory to truly …
Premium Eating Disorder Treatment Facility Opened in Cape Town
Cape Town, January, 31, 2019: EDSA is an outpatient treatment centre for individuals with eating disorders or who have suffered from various forms of trauma. The centre will open in Constantia Cape Town in March at 8, Klein Constantia Road under the Recovery Direct banner. “I wanted a central location so we can reach as many people as possible,” says marketing manager Doug Kemp, who has a played an intergral role in the establishment of the Recovery Direct treatment centres for non-12step addiction treatment facilities. Though treating eating disorders will be a particular focus, Kemp says he wants the centre to be “for any person that has trauma that they’re wanting to work through.” That could be a physical trauma or something that’s manifested as anxiety, anger or depression. Kemp says that healing trauma that’s been stored in a person’s body “is something that is new in the field and far more innovative and constructive and effective than the majority of treatments presently offered within the industry in South Africa.” Staff members will include a variety of professionals, such as psychologists, dieticians, nurse practitioners, psychotherapists that are what Kemp calls a “trauma-informed” specialists in their field. The centre will have a soft opening in early March 2019. Updates can be found on the dedicated Eating Disorders Website or on the following pages associated to the Eating disorders community in South Africa. (Residential ED private care treatment centre) (National ED awareness programme and outpatient help centre) (Free dedicated national help line) "The distinctions between Recovery Direct Eating disorder residential programme and the other residential treatment programmes offered in South Africa are that Recovery Direct's centres do not follow the 12 step treatment model. Recovery Direct's focus is on delivering far more intensive evidence based (one on one treatment sessions) via the registered psychologists and …
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Mental Health First: Preparing for the Holidays
While many experiences the year ending as a time filled with exciting thoughts of the upcoming holidays' others have an entirely different experience. For some, it’s filled with the dread of being exposed to the hole left by the absence of work while others are confronted with memories of lost loved one and better years. There are many things which can taint our experience of the holidays. Fortunately, all of them can be worked through or managed, and therapy helps. If you have the sense that this might apply to you, then now is the time to plan and set up the support you’ll need. First prize is to have a schedule that ensures you spend time with people who love you and who can be there for you. If this is not available, you need more, or can’t bear the thought of leaning on others; there is still time to arrange professional help. Establishing contact with a therapist is enormously helpful, even if you can’t begin sessions immediately. Merely knowing that you have started looking into a healing process or book a meeting for next year can produce enough hope and relief to carry you through. But where does one find this help? If you have access to private medical care, then you can consider approaching your GP and asking them to refer you to a counsellor or psychologist in your area. Those who don’t have such access can visit their local community clinic and ask the attending sister to please place you on the psychology waiting list or to refer you to a nearby clinic that can provide the necessary help. The very idea of approaching a doctor or sister is often so daunting that some people never take this first step. If this applies to you, you’ll be happy to know that several websites help you find the services you need. TherapyRoute.com is a good place to start. This platform includes informative articles, lists private practices as well as non-profit and community service facilities, automatically displays the services nearest to you and helps you …
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Calling all teachers: Show our forests some love and win a trip to Rome!
JOHANNESBURG, DECEMBER 3, 2018 - Trees are very important as they provide our planet with essential environmental services while also giving us jobs, products and fun. To celebrate the many fantastic things about forests, both natural and planted, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is running a competition ahead of International Day of Forests on 21 March 2019. The prize: a trip to Rome! According to FAO, "the 2019 theme for the International Day of Forests is ‘Forests and Education’ and we want the world to know how you educate children and youth about the importance of trees and forests. Today, when more than half the world’s population lives in cities and are increasingly disconnected from nature, it is more essential than ever to bring an understanding and awareness of forests and their benefits into children’s lives at an early age.” FAO is inviting teachers, educators and parents to produce and submit a short one-minute video that shows how you impart a better understanding about the importance of forests and trees for our planet’s future. This could be a video of a traditional class, nature walk into a wooded area or plantation, a local park with trees, an artwork, a song or music lesson or even an exercise class. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) and Forestry South Africa have put together some resources with specific facts on the South African forestry and forest product sector. Visit the special page on www.forestryexplained.co.za for more information. Deadline for entries is 15 December 2018. (We recognise that this is after schools break up for the SA summer holidays. It could however be a fun activity for these last few weeks of school.) How do I enter? To enter the contest, just follow these steps: Make a short video that shows how you teach children and youth about the importance of forests. The video should not exceed 1 minute and can be produced with any professional or non-professional device …
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2018 World Rallycross Champion Kristoffersson Wins Season Finale in South Africa
Killarney - Continuing the form that has seen the 29-year-old ace take two consecutive World RX Drivers’ Championship titles, and win every race this year except for one (round three in Belgium); Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson romped to victory at every wheel turn at the 2018 World RX of South Africa. In all, Johan was one win short of a perfect score weekend - netting three qualifying race victories - ranking him as top qualifier overall - followed by a semi final and final victory at the Killarney Raceway in Cape Town. “What can I say? Winning is what we are here for,” said Johan about the victory. “This win really means a lot – and I know I’ve said that every time I’ve won a race, but it’s really true! When you come to the last race of the season, it’s really important to go to the winter with a win. We all know you’re only as good as your last result, so to start round one in 2019 off the back of this is nice.” Talking more about his incredible year, Kristoffersson revealed one disappointment. “Winning 11 from 12 is really nice – makes me a little bit frustrated about [World RX of] Belgium where [Sébastien] Loeb won – but that 100 per cent record gives us something to work towards next year!” joked the champion. “To make nine wins in nine races is also something special for me. I remember watching Sebastian Vettel winning the last nine races of the 2013 [Formula 1] season and just thinking how incredible that feeling must be, to have so much success in one season. And now I have done just that. Unbelievable. I will never forget this season, it’s such a special one.” Unfortunately for teammate Petter Solberg, his run of 2018 bad luck continued in South Africa, despite blistering performances throughout the weekend. Qualifying fourth overall, Petter went on to win semifinal two and lock out the front row of the event’s main final alongside Johan. However a spin, and contact with rival Timmy Hansen, on lap two of the final ended the triple world …
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Do.Fail.Learn.Repeat – Advice From A Seasoned Entrepreneur
Cape Town, South Africa (September 2018) - Nic Haralambous - entrepreneur, author, speaker and stylish sock icon - has done it again. The businessman behind startups such as Motribe, ForeFront Africa and the popular fashion brand Nic Harry, has released his debut book, Do.Fail.Learn.Repeat. and it is exactly what you need to read if you are looking for an honest, open look at the life of an entrepreneur. From the age of 16, Nic has been exercising his entrepreneurial skills. Starting with building web-based products and moving on to creating full-sized companies in the tech world. He has built businesses from the ground up and seen many of them succeed, but he’s also seen a number of them fail. After graduating from Rhodes University, Nic tried to make his way up the corporate ladder but soon found that working on his own passions and interests was what he really wanted to be doing. So, that’s what he pursued. Founding multiple startups until he found his current brainchild, Nic Harry. The funky sock brand has taken South African men’s fashion by storm, and recently added a range of underwear and T-shirts as well. All products are made with soft bamboo fibres, allowing for comfort, style and variety for guys who want variety in their wardrobes. Now, Nic has written and released a business biography, in which he outlines his business successes and failures, as well as the lessons he learnt along the way. In the book, he gives an accurate and truthful account of how he got to where he is today. He opens up about failing and shares how he got back up after each failed attempt. The book came out in July 2018 and has hit all major bookstore shelves. It is also available on his website. Online buyers will receive a signed copy and can add a pair of Nic Harry socks, that match the book’s cover, to their carts as well. Nic is also available to be booked for talks, where he shares his experience and knowledge with like-minded …
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Gymkhana grid returns to South Africa for 2018
Gymkhana GRiD World Finals to be held in South Africa on 1st December 2018 Celebrating Gymkhana GRiD’s seventh year of competition Totally unique competition format as GRiD returns to Carnival City, Johannesburg, for the second time, after the inaugural event in 2017 50 international drivers go head to head in two classes, set to burn rubber on a custom designed track layout One of Motorsport’s most unique competitions – attracting a full grid of elite international drivers is set to hold its world final in South Africa this year. That’s right; Gymkhana GRiD is back, and returning to Carnival City Johannesburg, at the end of the 2018 competition season. This not only means a one-of a kind racing spectacle will be going live on December 1st, but also, for all except two drivers, there’s a chance for redemption and a second shot at the coveted GRiD podium. For the series seventh year of tyre slaying, GRiD returns to the vast Carnival City Resort complex, with a faster, and more technical track layout – offering a fresh set of challenges to test man and machine to the absolute edge of their performance. Last year the Savannah of shred and a Braai of burnouts witnessed reigning FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson (All-Wheel Drive) and four-time Gymkhana GRiD rear-wheel drive class champion Luke Woodham steal the show in the final battles, leaving the rest of the field in their dust. Now the scene is set for a sequel of epic proportions. Luke Woodham explains: “It gets harder and harder every year. There are some big names coming over to South Africa, and I want to put up a good fight for the title again. Certainly I never expected to win it two times in a row, let alone three or four times in succession. But by all means I’m coming back in better shape than before – faster, and stronger. There’s a lot of pressure for sure – most of which I put on myself, but mainly I’m just excited now to get there and drive at GRiD again. It’s the …
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The Real Power Behind Successful Addiction Treatment
Recovery Direct is one of the most exclusive psychological and addiction treatment centres in South Africa. Nestling in a quiet Constantia road, flanked by rolling vineyards, ancient oaks and the breath-taking grandeur of the Constantiaberg mountains, the centre offers a perfect and tranquil environment for recovery. Stunning multi-functional suites, each decked out in Victorian colonial style with en-suite bathrooms, balconies and panoramic views, offer outstanding accommodation for guests who want an upmarket and comfortable rehab experience. Recovery Direct was founded by Vaughan Pankhurst, who recognised the need for a novel approach to addiction treatment after he had successfully completed his own nine-year own journey into long-term recovery. Vaughan realised early on that trauma lies at the heart of addiction, and his centre is unique in that it consciously addresses the underlying traumatic issues on which addiction feeds. As such, it challenges the stigmas surrounding addiction and substance use by focusing its treatment approach around the belief that the effects of trauma lead people to become addicts. This approach contrasts with other rehabilitation centres in that Recovery Direct does not follow a 12-step programme in its treatment methodology. This non-punitive approach is intentional – it enables the centre and its healthcare workers to focus on resolving clients ‘problems by addressing the trauma and pain that drove them to addiction. It also carefully dismantles the destructive forces driving their addictions. Patients are required to see their counsellors every day, as opposed to once or twice a week. This regularity fast-tracks the healing process and enables recovery goals to be achieved sooner. The centre is eco-friendly and environmentally conscious – electricity is produced by energy-efficient solar panels, and water is provided by a natural spring. The exclusive rehab treats a wide spectrum of conditions, from alcoholism, …
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64% Of Employees Agree Blocking Out Noise Increases Their Productivity
Help your customers understand why workplace noise affects productivity and profitability. And how they can fix it. Today, work happens everywhere — in busy open-plan offices and contact centers, at home, even coffee shops. This flexibility is great for business and people, but with it comes a new challenge: noise. Distraction caused by noise reduces productivity and well-being and, in contact centers, detracts from a positive customer experience. Studies show that it takes 23 minutes to recover from distraction, and over 58% of employees are distracted multiple times each day. That represents a significant impact on your customers’ businesses you can easily help avert through proven noise reduction strategies and products. Plantronics engineers solutions that help people manage the noise around them so they can be more effective — no matter where they work. Together, we can help your customers reduce distractions caused by noise so their businesses can thrive. Plantronics in South Africa offers several solutions for managing noise. This week we focus on the Voyager 6200 UC, a Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds that offers professional-grade audio and versatility. On any given day, you might need to collaborate with colleagues remotely, field calls from customers or listen to music to help you focus on your latest project. Now there’s a headset that’s flexible enough to meet the demands of your role inside the office and out. Voyager 6200 UC offers everything you’d expect from Plantronics — active-noise canceling, clear voice transmission and premium audio — in a versatile Bluetooth® neckband headset with earbuds. Intuitive controls make it easy to use, and the neckband vibrates to signal an incoming call. Voyager 6200 UC is so comfortable and low-profile that you can use it all day long, in the office and on the go. IT Managers The professionals in your organization have different roles, responsibilities and work styles, so why offer them …
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Scott Ambler And Mark Lines Talk Business Agility in South Africa in July
Johannesburg, June, 6, 2018 Scott Ambler and Mark Lines talk business agility in South Africa in July IndigoCube will once more host the internationally renowned and locally popular Scott Ambler and Mark Lines, creators of the Disciplined Agile Framework, but this time with a principally business focus for the first Business Agility Conference hosted in South Africa. The duo will host a conference and present workshops for a week in July aimed chiefly at business people rather than IT people. “The conference is about business agility,” says Jaco Viljoen, the principal consultant and head of digital at IndigoCube. “It’s agile for the whole business, not just IT, so it’s for business people curious about modern practices for the digital enterprise and how that affects all divisions from HR to finance, marketing and the rest.” Scott Ambler, the Senior Consulting Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, is also the founder of the Agile Modeling (AM), Agile Data (AD), and Enterprise Unified Process (EUP) methodologies and the founding Member of the Disciplined Agile Consortium (DAC). Mark Lines is Managing Partner of Scott Ambler + Associates, coach and co-author, with Scott Ambler, of “Disciplined Agile Delivery: A Practitioner’s Guide to Agile Software Delivery in the Enterprise”, which details their approach to DAD. “Scott and Mark compare this to a racing car,” he says. “IT is the engine but businesspeople put the agile, high performance engines into tractors and make them plough fields. Similarly, IT operations must become suitable high performance engines for the racing car chassis and drivetrain. Both must work together to be competitive in this extremely demanding world.” The two internationally renowned Canadians will be the main attraction at the conference on July 17, from 09:00 to 13:00 held in-conjunction with IBM at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. IndigoCube will provide training on Disciplined Agile (DAD) in conjunction with Scott …