"Imagine looking at this article and only understanding the images. Being illiterate limits the information you can access, and in Africa, one in five people cannot read. Enter Speaking Books, an inventive health tool that was recognised with a United Nations prize for information and communication technology in May. Praised as a world first, each 16-page book relays essential health-related information on a variety of topics, ranging from malaria and tuberculosis to HIV and Aids. Conceptualised by local NGO South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the free books are clearly worded with culturally relevant illustrations and a soundtrack of the text in various languages, including Zulu, Mandarin and Hindi. According to SADAG founder Zane Wilson, 27 people "read" each title and of these, 97 percent requested more books. To sponsor a series of books for home-based care workers, call 011 262 6396 or e-mail zane1@hargray.com
Mental illness & kids not a joke!
Burnout video
Burnout video.
Emergency lines
Suicide Crisis Line 8am-8pm 0800 567 567 SMS 31393
Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line 8am-8pm 0800 20 50 26
AstraZeneca Bipolar Line 8am-8pm 0800 70 80 90
Sanofi Aventis Sleep Line 8am-8pm 0800-SLEEPY ( 0800 753 379)
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline 0800 12 13 14 SMS 32312
SADAG Mental Health Line 8am-8pm 011 262 6396
Dr Reddy's Help Line 8am-8pm 0800 21 22 23
Akeso psychiatric reponse unit Gauteng Emergencies 24 hour 010 040 HELP (4357)
Donate to Sadag
R60 000 - cost of our telephone lines every month 15 000 - people who receive our newsletter 400 - callers we help each day
With your help, SADAG can continue its work as South Africa’s most influential mental health organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Click on this link to find out more about the Speaking Books - the brain child of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. The Speaking Books are educational and instructional tools aimed at low level literacy populations.
The sales of the Speaking Books help fund SADAG's many phone lines.
