Southern Free State Mental Health Society

The Suid-Vrystaat Geestesgesondheidvereniging (Southern Free State Mental Health Society) (051 444 0212 / 051 447 0213 / contact: Mrs E van Rooyen) is a Bloemfontein-based non-profit organisation that has been providing support and welfare services for persons with intellectual and/or psychiatric disabilities in Bloemfontein and the surrounding Free State for over 60 years. It is associated with Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital and offers, among its services, an anxiety and depression support group — a resource relevant to GBV survivors dealing with the mental health sequelae of trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. While the organisation's primary mandate focuses on intellectual and psychiatric disability rather than GBV specifically, the anxiety and depression support pathway is open to individuals needing mental health support. For specialist GBV support in Bloemfontein, additional services include Bloem Shelter (082 463 5916), NICRO Free State (051 435 5193), Befrienders Bloemfontein (0027 51 444 5000, 24/7), and the GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428, toll-free, 24/7). Call 051 444 0212 to enquire about current services and availability.