Press release -
Discovery commits R1 million to support services of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Discovery commits R1 million to support services of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Discovery today, 15 February, committed R1 million to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Suicide Helpline. Discovery’s support follows from an interview with Cassey Chambers, Operations Director of the SADAG, on Radio 702 last week. Chambers, who asked for public and corporate assistance, confirmed during the interview that SADAG would need to consider closing down their helpline for people who need support with thoughts of suicide.
“Discovery has had a long-standing relationship with the SADAG and considers them an important stakeholder and partner in the healthcare system,” says Dr Jonathan Broomberg, CEO of Discovery Health. “We believe that mental health is as critical as physical health. In committing these funds, we want to show our support for their vital work, and we want to enable them to continue to save the lives and improve the health of thousands of South Africans,” says Broomberg.
Chambers says, “This helpline, manned by volunteers, receives approximately 400 calls each day, and phone costs alone can reach up to R60 000 a month.” She says without an official sponsor, SADAG has to pay these operational costs. “Financial assistance of this nature will go a long way to ensure we can keep this helpline in operation for at least a year and in turn help thousands of people who feel helpless and hopeless,” Chambers confirmed.
With depression becoming more prevalent, and as many as one in three South Africans likely to suffer from it in their lifetime, awareness and management of mental health issues are critical. “Discovery has, through our Corporate Wellness initiatives, seen an increase in stress, anxiety and depression among people. Proactive support from organisations such as the SADAG, is therefore an invaluable part of managing these conditions and helping those affected,” says Broomberg.
For media related enquiries please contact:
Khensani Mthombeni
011 529 0091 or 071 886 9188
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About Discovery Limited
Discovery Limited is a South African-founded financial services organisation that operates in the healthcare, life assurance, short-term insurance, savings and investment products and wellness markets. Founded in 1992, Discovery was guided by a clear core purpose – to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. Underpinning this core purpose is the belief that through innovation, Discovery can be a powerful market disruptor.
The company, with headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, has expanded its operations globally and currently serves over 4.4 million clients across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Singapore and Australia. Discovery recently announced an intent to partner with Generali, a leading insurer in Europe, and has partnered John Hancock in the US. These new partnerships will bring Discovery’s shared-value business model to protection industries in Europe and the US.
Vitality, Discovery’s wellness programme, is the world’s largest scientific, incentive-based wellness solution for individuals and corporates. The global Vitality membership base now exceeds three million lives in five markets.
Discovery is an authorised financial services provider and trades under the code “DSY” on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange.
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