20/10/2026
Beyond the hug, there is a journey of healing.
A hug can offer comfort, but for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or instability, healing takes time, consistency and care.
Thank you to Proudly Heidelberg t/a Heidelberg Gazette for highlighting the importance of children's mental health and the message behind our Hugtober campaign.
At Girls & Boys Town South Africa, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to rebuild trust, develop a sense of belonging and look towards a brighter future.
Hugtober may have brought us together for a day of hugs and smiles, but our commitment to healing heartbroken children continues long after the event.
You can be part of that journey by purchasing a R20 Hug of Hope sticker or making a donation.
💛 A hug is just the start. Help us heal the rest.
Read more and support our work: https://girlsandboystown.org.za/hugtober/
Beyond the hug: Supporting children's mental health and emotional healing
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Girls & Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) is urging the public to look beyond children's physical needs and recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing, safe relationships and appropriate therapeutic care.
Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or instability may struggle with fear, anxiety, rejection and trust, even when their basic needs are met. Research highlighted by the South African Medical Research Council indicates that approximately 10.1% of young people in South Africa experience depressive disorders, 6.7% anxiety disorders and 17.6% post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Children need more than protection from the circumstances that have hurt them. They also need opportunities to rebuild trust, develop a sense of belonging and understand that their experiences do not define their future,” says Karen Farred, CEO of GBTSA.
Emotional healing takes time, consistency and understanding. Behaviour such as withdrawal, anger or difficulty trusting adults may reflect underlying distress. Listening without judgement, providing stable and nurturing environments, and ensuring access to professional support can help children rebuild confidence and develop healthy relationships.
Through its residential homes, therapeutic programmes and support services, GBTSA helps vulnerable children strengthen coping skills, regain confidence and build a positive future.
This message was central to GBTSA's Hug Campaign on 3 October 2026, part of its annual Hugtober initiative. While a hug can offer comfort and connection, lasting healing requires ongoing care, encouragement and support.
Through Hugtober, the organisation invites South Africans to turn compassion into practical action by purchasing a R20 Hug of Hope sticker or making a financial donation. Contributions help GBTSA provide vulnerable children with care, education, therapeutic support and safe environments in which to grow and thrive.
Families, schools and communities also have an important role to play by taking children's concerns seriously, encouraging open conversations about emotional wellbeing and helping them access support when needed.
As Farred emphasises, small gestures can help children feel seen and valued, but consistent care is what helps them build trust and a different future.
A hug is just the start. Help us heal the rest.
To purchase a Hug of Hope sticker or support GBTSA's work, visit: https://girlsandboystown.org.za/hugtober/
