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About Us
Our Mission
We strive to create a safe haven for individuals navigating mental health challenges & their loved ones. By blending faith with professional support, we empower individuals to seek both spiritual guidance and mental health resources.
Our Founders
Johan & Denise Van Der Merwe
Valuable People was founded in 2024 by Johan and Denise Van Der Merwe, a couple deeply impacted by a personal tragedy. The heartbreaking loss of Denise's sister, Cathleen Nortje, aged 36, to suicide in May 2022 ignited our passion for addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the Christian community.
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As devout Christians, we struggled with the unbearable pain of losing a loved one and realized that many others were enduring similar heartaches in silence. This experience made it clear that there is a critical need for open conversations about mental health and suicide, alongside compassionate support for those who suffer.
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In our quieter moments, we cherish spending time at home with our two cats, watching our favorite documentaries. These simple pleasures remind us of the importance of self care, our own mental
well-being, and the beauty of connection both of which we aim to promote through Valuable People.
The Valuable People website serves as a heartfelt tribute to our beloved Daughter, Sister, Cousin, and Friend, Cathleen Nortje.
Cathleen was a kind and loving soul, whose infectious laughter could light up any room.
Tragically, in a moment of despair, she took her own life. In her memory, we have created this platform to offer support to those in need, with the hope of preventing similar heartaches in the future.