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Namdeb trains 165 mental health first-aiders


NAMDEB has funded the training of 165 mental health first-aiders to cater to its 1 600 employees at its operation at Oranjemund.

The first aiders were equipped with emotional counselling and support tools to provide basic care before trained psychologists, psychiatrists and other medical personnel attend to an individual.

Trainees found the course enlightening.

“The training is key to self-awareness of self and fellow co-workers and building a culture of support, empathy and treating others with compassion,” says Anita Ucham.

Obert Sikanda says he learnt to be mindful of other people’s well-being.

“The training taught me that a healthy mind is cautious about the safety of myself and others and this leads to better productivity.”

“The training is very important to assist other colleagues and the larger community that need help with mental issues,” Petrus Bartholomeus says.

Emerita Malanguka, the employee wellness manager, says the initiative at Oranjemund is meant to close the service provision gap, as mental health service providers are largely concentrated in the Khomas region.

“Namdeb strives to make mental health education and care accessible to all its employees, providing psycho-social counselling freely to all employees and contractors and their immediate family members. Referrals for advanced and specialised in-patient care are made on a case-by-case basis,” says Malanguka, adding that Namdeb conducts mental health education campaigns every quarter. This highlights critical linkages between physical, social and mental health.

Malanguka says keeping busy and distracted from mental health issues is not the prescribed coping method.

“At Namdeb, self-awareness, knowing the symptoms, self-care and seeking help are promoted as the preferred approach to mental health issues,” she said.

Like other workplaces, the remote mining operation also dealt with increased cases of mental health during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This led to the company creating an online and in-person discussion forum on various mental health needs, including grief support and resilience building.

“Post-Covid, employees are encouraged and incentivised to take part in free weekly and monthly physical fitness activities like yoga, running and walking. Research has shown that regular exercise has a sustainable positive impact on mental health and overall well-being,” said Malanguka.





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