Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE National Employment Council for Funeral Industry (NECFI) has incorporated the sport of golf in its quest to raise awareness on dealing with mental health concerns.
Eyeing to reduce the casualties of mental health issues like suicides and substance abuse, NECFI has resorted to golf to raise finances to establish mental health and wellness facilities.
The statutory body has set in motion a roadmap to curb the effects of mental health issues among funeral service providers and the country at large, with golf set to play an integral role in the achievement of such.
The golf tournament is expected to attract at least 25 teams from across the country to participate under the better ball stable format.
“The objective of this charity golf tournament is to raise funds which will be channelled towards mental health and wellness. As we all know, there are a lot of stressors in the funeral industry and this initiative which is coming through the golf tournament is to raise those funds and awareness around mental health issues,” the tournament organising chairperson, Sydney Chakuchichi said.
“In the end, we would like to create that awareness and assist all NEC employers to know and be able to render the necessary assistance. Since it is our first event, we are looking to raise US$20 000 which will be channeled towards mental health facilities,” NECFI Independent chairperson Nhamo Kwaramba noted.
The inaugural golf tournament is scheduled to tee off on May 9 at Chapman Golf Club in the capital, with the proceeds set to be channeled towards the statutory body’s mental health and wellness programmes.
