Ingage Support
What does your company do?
In South Africa, a staggering 65% of young people struggle with mental health issues but do not seek help. At Ingage Support, we are dedicated to transforming this landscape through our innovative and holistic approach to youth mental health.
Our cutting-edge technology and comprehensive software services specifically address bullying, harassment, and mental health challenges faced by children, teenagers, and adults. We offer a unique platform that combines an anonymous reporting system with features designed to support mental well-being. This system allows individuals to safely and confidentially report bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, violence, and more.
Our mobile and web applications also provide a suite of tools to support mental health, including mood tracking, digital journals, self-help guides, and a vast hub of mental health, wellness, and online safety resources.
Ingage Support simplifies the complex processes involved in mental health support, enhancing efficiency for schools, organisations, and communities. By identifying challenges in real-time and implementing timely interventions and support programs, we create safer and healthier environments. Our mission is to empower young people to speak up, be heard, and feel safe, fostering a future where every young person in South Africa can thrive.
What is your biggest success?
One of our greatest successes at Ingage Support is the profound impact we've made on children's lives across South Africa. Our primary mission is to ensure that every child has access to the mental health support they need and deserve, breaking the silence that leaves many students struggling. In the schools, communities, and organisations where Ingage Support has been implemented, we've witnessed remarkable transformations. Students who were once afraid to speak up now have a safe and accessible way to seek help. Over the past six months, we've received 479 alerts, leading to life-changing interventions: 77 students struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harm received crucial assistance, 43 cases of bullying were addressed, and 5 cases of sexual harassment came to light among others. These successes affirm our belief that helping even one child is the biggest success we can ask for. Personally, my dedication to mental health support has been recognised with the prestigious News24 Young Mandela Award in 2023, and in 2024, I was honoured to be included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to creating a safer, healthier environment for South Africa's youth.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
One of the biggest hurdles for Ingage Support has been securing the necessary funding to sustain and expand our services. Despite the significant impact we've made, Ingage Support has not received any investment, donations, or external funding. The development of our app has been solely funded by my private counselling practice, reflecting my deep personal commitment to this cause. Additionally, integrating our platform into schools and communities, particularly in disadvantaged areas, has been challenging due to limited financial resources. Ensuring that all South African communities, regardless of their economic status, have access to our life-changing mental health support remains a critical and ongoing challenge.
