DJ Run 2025 Mental Health Series
As part of DJ Run 2025, we’re proud to continue our DJ Run Mental Health Series, a week of conversations that bring hope, understanding, and practical support to those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. Each session is hosted by experienced mental health professionals and advocates who are passionate about breaking stigma and helping our community build resilience together.
This series aims to create a safe, informative space for learning, reflection, and community support. below, you will find the itinerary for the week, including brief descriptions of each session’s focus. We invite you to join us and be part of this important conversation.
Most of these talks will take place on October Health, a free mental health app. Download the October Health App for free and let’s continue to break the stigma together.
Sunday, 16 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
Opening the Conversation: Why We Need to Talk About Suicide
Before we can make change, we have to start talking. This opening session, hosted by the Watch Me Rise team, introduces the purpose and spirit of the DJ Run, explores how open conversations save lives, and why breaking the silence is the first step toward healing. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Sunday, 16 November 2025: 16h00 – 17h00
How Your Mind Works: How Body and Brain Together Create the Human Experience
In this presentation, hosted by Mia Pienaar, you will learn how the brain, the nervous system, and the body each contribute something to your unique experience. Your wounds, your survival strategies, and your dreams all have a biological reality and you can use this biology to help weather storms of life and to grow again when the sunshine comes back. Join us for this conversation on Zoom.
Monday, 17 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
Having the Hard Conversations: How to Approach Concerns About Suicide
Knowing how to approach someone who may be struggling can be daunting. This session, hosted by Zola Chonco from Bridging the Gap Holistic Services, provides practical tools and compassionate language to help you start supportive, non-judgmental conversations that could make all the difference. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Tuesday, 18 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
In the Moment: Responding to a Suicide Crisis and Providing Aftercare
What should you do if someone attempts suicide or if you find yourself in crisis? This vital discussion, hosted by Carrie Hickman, covers immediate actions, safety steps, and the importance of ongoing aftercare for both the individual and their support network. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Tuesday, 18 November 2025: 19h30 – 20h30
The Art of Being Alive: Creative Tools for Hope
In a world that moves fast and rarely pauses, this gentle online workshop invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through creativity.
Guided by Registered Counsellor and songwriter, Bracha Singer, we’ll explore how sound and colour — music and art — can become simple, powerful tools for mental wellbeing.
No talent or experience is needed. This isn’t about painting or performing; it’s about expressing, noticing, and listening. Through guided exercises, reflection, and shared moments of stillness, you’ll discover how creativity helps to ease stress, lift mood, and bring a sense of calm and connection back into daily life.
Please bring along something to create with, nothing fancy is needed. Anything you already have at home, like pencils, coloured pencils, or markers, will work perfectly. This isn’t about making “good art”; it’s about giving yourself space to express, explore, and simply be.
Wednesday, 19 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
Understanding the “Why”: Exploring Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
Suicidal ideation is complex and deeply personal. This talk, hosted by Carrie Hickman, helps unpack the underlying emotional, psychological, and situational factors that contribute to suicidality; and offers ways to approach these thoughts with empathy and curiosity rather than fear. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Wednesday, 19 November 2025: 18h00 – 19h00
Facing our Fears: How to Talk About Suicide
Our fear in response to this topic is completely valid, but it may also be our fear that becomes an obstacle to connection in the face of talking about suicide. In this session, hosted by Mia Pienaar, learn how to soothe your own fear when you need to hear someone’s suicidality disclosure, what to say to them, and the best way to help them – advice for teenagers, parents, and practitioners. Join us for this conversation on Zoom.
Thursday, 20 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
Life After Loss: Healing for Survivors and Those Left Behind
In this powerful panel discussion, individuals who have survived attempts and those who have lost loved ones share their stories of resilience, grief, and growth. Together, we’ll explore what it means to find meaning and continue living after profound loss. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Friday, 21 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
When Health and Hope Collide: Suicide and Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic, life-limiting, or life-ending diagnosis brings unique emotional and mental health challenges. This session, hosted by CJ Nel from CJ Nel Counselling, shines a light on the intersection between physical illness and suicidality, and explores ways to maintain dignity, purpose, and hope in the face of uncertainty. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Saturday, 22 November 2025: 11h00 – 12h00
Caring for the Carers: Self-Care for Supporters and Survivors
Supporting others through mental health struggles can be emotionally draining. This closing talk, hosted by Carrie Hickman, focuses on sustainable self-care practices for both supporters and survivors — empowering attendees to care for themselves as they care for others. Join us for this conversation on the October Health App.
Donations
As part of our collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Taswill Welcome, we’re raising funds to convert a shipping container into a free mental health counselling clinic in Mitchells Plain. The container is secured, and SADAG will fund the operational costs. Our contributions will go towards converting the container into a safe, functional, and welcoming space through soundproofing, insulation, electrical wiring, lighting, plumbing, security measures, and basic furnishings.
If you would like to contribute, please visit our BackaBuddy Campaign to make a donation. Your support can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.
