School of Hard Knocks SA

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School of Hard Knocks SA School of Hard Knocks provides access to mental health services for the hardest to reach learners in the most underserved communities in Cape Town

Using the power of sport to improve young people's mental health

10/10/2026

What if we started earlier?

This World Mental Health Day, we're asking a simple question: Why do we so often wait until someone is in crisis before we start talking about mental health?

At School of Hard Knocks, we believe in emotional literacy before crisis.

Through our curriculum, sessions, pitch-side conversations and psychosocial support, we help young people recognise their emotions, understand what they're feeling and develop the tools to communicate those feelings.

Because knowing how to ask for help starts with having the words to explain what you're going through.

**Mental health is something we all have. And looking after it should be part of our everyday conversations, not just something we do when things become overwhelming.**

This October, we're continuing to PUT WORDS TO IT.

07/10/2026

Mental health is something we all have. And knowing how to talk about what we’re feeling is part of looking after it.

But too often, conversations about mental health only begin when someone reaches crisis point.

What if we started earlier?

What if young people had the words to recognise what they were feeling, understand what was happening inside them, and tell someone when they needed support?

Emotional literacy before crisis.

At School of Hard Knocks, this is already a big part of the work we do. Through our curriculum, sessions, pitch-side conversations and psychosocial support, we help young people build the language and tools to understand and communicate what they’re feeling.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re going to spend some time talking about the words underneath the words.

We’re going to PUT WORDS TO IT.

Because young people shouldn’t have to reach crisis point before they have the language to ask for help.

01/10/2026

September may be over. The conversation cannot be.

Su***de prevention is not a month-long campaign. It is the everyday work of listening, noticing, creating safe spaces and making sure people know where to turn when they need support.

At SoHK, we believe that work matters every single day.

Please save and share the support numbers at the end of this video. You never know who may need them. 💚

***dePrevention

09/09/2026

💛 R7 071 raised. A whole lot of heart behind it.

A huge thank you to the learners, staff and wider Laerskool Eversdal community for raising an incredible R7 071 for School of Hard Knocks.

Every rand helps us continue creating spaces where young people can feel heard, supported and equipped with the tools to better understand and manage their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Knowing that young people and a school community chose to get behind the work we do and help us reach other young people, makes this incredibly special. 🖤

Thank you, Laerskool Eversdal Primary, for choosing to make an impact with us. We are incredibly grateful for your support.

04/09/2026

Setting boundaries is how we create safe spaces for us, and those around us.

As much as it's important to set boundaries for ourselves, assertively, it is just as important to respect the boundaries of others.

southafrica nxtgenmen nxtgenwomxn mentalhealthrecovery school boundaries boundarysetting

02/09/2026

As we say goodbye to Athi today, our hearts are heavy, but also deeply grateful. 🖤

Grateful that we got to be a part of his life and his journey. Grateful for the impact he made on ours, and for the difference he made in the lives of so many young people along the way.

Your smile, your presence and the part of yourself you gave to SoHK will stay with us.

Rest well, brother.
You will be deeply missed, and forever part of the SoHK family.

Rest peacefully, Athi. 🖤

14/08/2026

This Women’s Month, our SOHK gents volunteered to experience period pain through a simulation machine.

They got a small glimpse into the physical pain many women and girls experience — while still being expected to show up, work, learn, care for others and carry on with everyday life.

But period pain is only part of the story.

There is also the emotional and mental load. The insecurities. The fear of leaking. The lack of access to period products or appropriate care. The embarrassment. And sometimes, simply not having the support or understanding you need.

We don’t always know what someone is carrying while they’re getting on with their day.

That’s why kindness matters.
Understanding matters.
Empathy matters.

And sometimes, understanding starts with being willing to experience something outside of your own reality.

Thank you to our SOHK gents for being willing to give it a go. 💪🏾❤️

EmpathyMatters EndPeriodPoverty SOHKSA

09/08/2026

70 years ago, women stood together and refused to back down.

Today, we carry that fire forward. 💜

We are grateful for the women who came before us — who pushed, fought and demanded better — and for the women today who continue to show up, speak up and impact their communities.

Women who care. Women who carry. Women who give so much of themselves to others, while still pushing for equality and creating space for better mental and emotional wellbeing.

70 years later, we’re still pushing.
Still demanding equality.
Still refusing to settle for less.

And yes, it is infuriating that 70 years later there is still so much work to do.

But we get to do that work. To impact lives. To create spaces where the nxt generation of women and girls can understand what they feel, find the tools to heal, and share that strength with others.

Feel it. Heal it. Share it.

The fire didn’t end 70 years ago.
It was passed on. 💜

We're moving!On 1 September, School of Hard Knocks South Africa will be opening the doors to our new home.It's more than...
07/08/2026

We're moving!

On 1 September, School of Hard Knocks South Africa will be opening the doors to our new home.

It's more than just an office. It's a space where our team will gather, ideas will grow, training content will be built, and young people will continue to find hope, belonging and support.

Now we're inviting our community to help us bring it to life.

We're looking for businesses, suppliers and individuals who would like to partner with us by:
✨ Donating new or quality pre-loved office furniture and equipment.
✨ Sponsoring items for our new space.
✨ Offering discounted pricing on the items we still need.

We're currently looking for:
• Office chairs (preferably 20-25 matching chairs)
• Desks and tables
• Flooring
• Blinds or window branding
• A microwave
• A kettle

Whether you're able to donate an item, sponsor something new, offer trade pricing, or connect us with someone who can help, we'd love to hear from you.

We'll be happy to shout about your kindness to everyone!

We're moving in on 1 September, and we'd love to take this next step together, as a community.

📩 Get in touch:
[email protected]
064 526 4205 | 082 356 9513

TogetherWeCan YouthDevelopment GivingBack

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The Trauma Centre, 126 Chapel Street, District Six
Cape Town
7965

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