Matthew & ME

01/10/2026

This Parent Connect has been postponed due to an invitation that was sent to us to attend the Matric Valedicition at Uplands College, at which Matthew's friends from Uplands Preparatory school will be celebrating their valediction. We will send out the details of our next Parent Connect as soon as possible.

If your company, school, or community, or group of friends would like to host a Parent Connection please contact us: [email protected]

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. 💙
Join us for “An Evening with Matthew & Me” — a safe, supportive space for parents to connect, share stories, and shape the conversation around our children’s mental health journey. Let’s inspire one another to build happiness, confidence, and resilience.
🗓 Date: Thursday, 08 October 2026
⏰ Time: 18h00
📍 Venue: at the Old Edwardian Society Sports Club, Houghton
🎟 Cost: A donation to Matthew & Me would be appreciated
Registration is open and seats are limited. Reserve your spot at the link in our bio or scan the QR code on the flyer!
MentalHealthAwareness Houghton SupportiveSpace

28/09/2026

Grief doesn’t follow a script. Losing someone to su***de can leave behind complicated emotions like grief, anger, guilt, confusion, unanswered questions and a pain that can be difficult to put into words.

There is no “right” way to grieve. And healing doesn’t mean forgetting.

Join The Uplift Project in conversation with Ashleigh Ernstzen, founder of Matthew and Me, who will share her personal experience of losing her son to su***de. Together, we’ll have an honest and compassionate conversation about su***de loss, grief, coping, healing and finding a way forward.

Join our conversation LIVE on INSTAGRAM 18h30 (SAST) on Wednesday 30 September.

See you this Wednesday! 💜🩵

15/09/2026

In just one week, we will be presenting at the ISASA Deputy Heads Conference, joining educational leaders as we grow "Sustainably Significant Schools"

One of the most critical topics facing our youth today: Teen Su***de Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.

Parents and teachers are on the forefront a child's silent struggle. Knowing how to step in, what to look for, and how to frame those difficult moments can change everything.

During our session, we will shape conversations around:
Mental Health First Aid: Practical steps to identify distress and provide immediate, effective support.

Confident Conversations: Breaking the stigma and equipping teachers and students with the language to handle sensitive, conversations with care and courage.

Our mission is simple: ASK TWICE.

Sharing Smiles, Saving Lives, and Bringing Hope.

We can’t wait to connect with everyone at Uplands. Together, we can build safer, more compassionate school communities where every young person feels seen, supported, and heard.

See you in 7 days!

Hashtags:
***dePrevention

14/09/2026

Today is day 257/365 and week 38/52 🤯

That means, whether good or bad— you have made it through 257 days and 38 Mondays this year! For that, you deserve a round of applause. 👏

It doesn’t matter if they haven’t been what you expect; if you have made mistakes, had hard days or whatever else you use to try and measure yourself!
You are a champion!
We are so proud of you 💙

Share this with someone who you think needs this reminder!

10/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day

10 September

Where ever you are we invite you to light a candle with us.
Bring their memory into the light by shining a light for the people we miss.
Shine a light to honour someone we have lost to su***de.
Shine the light for survivors who are left carrying the love, grief, and memories forward.
Shine a light for someone who is struggling.
Shine a light for someone who has been impacted by su***de.
Shine a light for someone whose life has been touched by su***de.

Take time to remember. To honour. To grieve. To Connect.

If you need help please call the 24-hr Su***de Prevention helpline 0800 567 567
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group

***deprevention

04/09/2026

It has taken us a very long time to process what the head prefect of Jeppe High School for Boys did at our run 😱

What should we do about this…

Comment your thoughts below 👀

02/09/2026

🌸 Not everyone loves a season change — and that’s okay. 🌸

Maybe you caught that first warm breeze and instantly felt lighter, new energy, new blooms, ready to bloom right along with spring. Or maybe change (even good change) can feel unsettling. Maybe it stirs up old feelings, disrupts routine, or just feels like a lot all at once.

Both are valid. You don’t have to feel “spring energy” to be okay. However this season is landing for you — whether you’re blooming or just quietly getting through it — we see you, and we’re glad you’re here. 💙🌼

Feeling a bit stuck or not sure how to deal with the new season? DM us — we’re here to chat. 💬

If you need immediate support, please reach out to SADAG:
📱 WhatsApp: 076 882 2775
☎️ Call: 0800 567 567

You don’t have to carry it alone. 🌷

22/08/2026

Death by su***de -

Say the word Su***de.
Break the Silence.

You are not alone. Your life matters. You matter.

WhatsApp Ashleigh 082 468 7927
SADAG Su***de Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567

Get in touch for learning how to shape conversations around mental health and su***de:
[email protected]

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group

20/08/2026

In South Africa there is one su***de every hour. 24 deaths by su***de a day.

Su***de remains one of life’s most devastating paradoxes: an irreversible, permanent act, chosen to escape what is almost always a temporary problem or situation.
It goes against the most primal instinct we have — to survive.
Su***de is preventable.
Su***de is not an option.

On Friday 14 August we had the privilege of shaping conversations around mental health awareness and su***de prevention with WITS students.

We explored pressures facing our youth: academic pressure, social media and cyber bullying, relationships and identity, family stresses, and global events.

We discussed the emotional, behavioural, verbal, and social warning signs / Red flags.

We spoke about how to prepare for conversations around su***de.

Su***de can hide behind a smile.
Say the word Su***de.
Break the Silence.

You are not alone. Your life matters. You matter.

WhatsApp Ashleigh 082 468 7927
SADAG Su***de Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567

Get in touch for learning how to shape conversations around mental health and su***de:
[email protected]