TheSAFederationfor The SA Federation for MentalHealth’s Mental Health’s
National Youth Advocacy Forum
2025-2026 Forum
Motivation
The purpose of this evaluation report is twofold:
Obtaining learnings that can inform the implementation of future iterations of the forum.
Understanding how participating in the forum impacted members.
Two key questions guided the evaluation process:
How was the forum implemented? What were the experiences of forum members, and what did they benefit from being a part of the forum?
Key Question
Relevant Data
Reports of programme components as per the workplan developed for the duration of the grant cycle
How was the forum implemented?
What was the experience and benefits of members in the forum?
Attendance and reasons for nonattendance
Adaptations made to programme, including introduction of Youth Forum Coordinator
Participant feedback (on meeting content and structure)
Participant feedback on how the forum could be improved
Method/Source
Participant sharing on what being a part of this forum has meant to them
When collected
Notes from weekly review meetings Weekly
Attendance Sheets Bi-weekly
Notes from weekly review meetings Weekly
Anonymous online surveys Every meeting
Anonymous online surveys and inperson group discussions
Anonymous online surveys and group discussions
December 2025 & February 2026
December 2025 & February 2026
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
During this reporting period, alumni worked on a minimum of three individual advocacy work packages (they, however, had the option of doing more, as per the agreements they all signed). These work packages were implemented according to forum members’ proposed implementation plans, which were reviewed and approved by the SAFMH team before implementation could commence. Additionally, alumni members could also run awareness campaigns, for which they received seed funding.
The first priority for this grant cycle was merging the two pre-existing cohorts into one effective forum group. SAFMH used the lessons from the in-person meeting in March 2025, the evaluations conducted after each online meeting throughout the year, and its own observations to guide the process. When reflecting on the past year, SAFMH has seen the alumni programme being very successful in encouraging and supporting youth forum members in developing their advocacy work.
The second priority for the beginning of this grant period was SAFMH recruiting a Youth Forum Coordinator for the first time to support the forum’s ongoing administration and operations. It is important to note that SAFMH was committed to recruiting this person from the forum itself, thus providing one of the forum members with a tangible opportunity for economic, career, and personal development.
ABOUT OUR FORUM MEMBERS
Demographics: Seventeen forum members signed agreements to continue their work as alumni. They hailed from Gauteng, KZN and North West, boasting diverse backgrounds in fields such as accounting, radio, law, education, engineering, social work and psychology. You can see their profiles on our website here.
OVERALL FORUM IMPLEMENTATION
foru INSIGHTS INSIGHTS
Seventeen forum members developed a total of up to three targeted advocacy work packages each. These included research reports, policy briefs, digital content, blogs, podcasts, videos, key ask documents, letters, presentations, and infographics. Each work package aligned with national policies and reflected the alumni's personal interests, contributing to both their own personal advocacy development and SAFMH’s broader national advocacy goals.
Callagn advocated for advancing the understanding of familial mental health, arguing that families and caregivers are also deserving of support.
Michela used her lived experience and story to advocate for stigma reduction.
Onthatile advocated for engaging young people about mental health by levearing online platforms.
Over the past year, forum members really showcased their growth in their engagements with other youth councils and stakeholders. Forum members also represented SAFMH at high-level meetings and consultations.
Nhlalala delivered a key note speech at the 2 South African Mental Health Conference 2025. nd
Abigail was interviewed by the SABC on youth mental health in honour of Youth Day.
Onthatile and Senzo delivered a presentation about the forum and meaningful youth engagment to the Ministerial Advisory Commitee (MAC) on Mental Health
SPOTLIGHT: ANGEL MDLULI
TheForum groomedmeinto astrongerand moreconfident person.TodayI canspeakboldly aboutmental healthwithout fear.
Being part of the Forum has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. When I first joined, I knew very little about mental health and advocacy. I only had a passion to learn and a desire to make a difference in my community. At the beginning, I was shy and unsure of myself, but the Forum gave me a chance to grow.
One of the proudest moments for me was developing my first awareness campaign. It showed me that my ideas matter and that I can create something that helps people. From there, I worked on different work packages about mental health issues that affect my community.
With the support, guidance, and encouragement from the SAFMH staff and fellow forum members, every project became a success and a learning opportunity.
This experience has changed my life. It gave me purpose, confidence, and a voice. I will always be grateful for how the Forum helped shape the person I am today.
SPOTLIGHT: OWAM GOVENDER
WhenIjoinedthe forum,ItoldmyselfI wouldgivethis opportunitymyall— showupwhen necessary,domybest, andmakeanimpact, nomatterhowsmall. WhatIdidn’texpect washowmanydoors thatcommitment wouldopen.
This campaign was launched to provide a supportive voice for those finding the holiday season difficult. While December is often associated with joy, for many it brings grief or loneliness. My aim was to create a “safe space” on social media through empathetic content, encouraging people to protect their peace and take things one step at a time.
- Angel
foru INSIGHTS INSIGHTS
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Overall, forum members described the forum as an inspiring, educational, safe, empowering, and nourishing space, which practically supported members and facilitated their growth as youth mental health advocates.
“Showing up matters, whether showing up for yourself or others... it matters. The work we are all doing does not go unnoticed. I truly appreciate being a part of the youth forum.”
“Having a community of likeminded people. I will forever carry the relationships I have built here for the rest of my life. Thank you.” “I was able to speak up more and I am now comfortable in sharing things about myself or values that I believe in.”
“Confidence. I have gained so much confidence in speaking up about issues that matter most to me.”
When asked, “Howhastheforum improvedyourmentalhealth?”, forum members shared:
“I knowhowtomanagemymental health,toprioritiseit. To evaluate whether or not certain job opportunities might affect my mental health. I’m able to write my tests with less anxiety.”
“I have foundacommunity,andthat hasplayedasignificantrolein improvingmymentalhealth. I know that I always have people who are here to support me at all times.”
“Honestly, I’ll forever emphasise how I've never attempted suicide since joining the forum, I'vebeen prioritisingmymentalhealth. ”
“In-person meetings are always fun. I loved the reflective sessions a lot. I really loved the t-shirts, the design is really cool. I loved spending time with everyone.”
“What worked well was just how well everything turned out. Smooth and impactful in terms of how everyone was engaging, whether that looked like leading a closing reflection or an ice-breaker. So grateful to the SAFMH team for planning, support and execution.”
