LifeLine desperately needs help
LifeLine Ekurhuleni is in dire need of financial assistance to keep their counselling services running.
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This is an important month for LifeLine to render their services and it is vital that the services remain open, specifically during this month.
Debbie Richards, director of LifeLine, says during this month there is need for trauma counselling due to increase crime rates.
December is also a very difficult time for people who have no family or friends around them which could cause loneliness and depression.
“Matric support is much-needed, to those who fail or expected to do better, when the results come out.
The private sector and individuals have cut down on their financial support.
The High Speed court diversion programme has been funding the organisation and was suspended at the end of January all over the country.
Richard says this was a huge support and without it LifeLine has been struggling.
According to her they cannot afford to keep the counselling service open any more.
The majority of permanent staff were put on unpaid leave from the beginning of December, including Richards.
“We need funding for operational costs such as the telephone, water and electricity and petrol which can easily accumulate to about R20 000 per month,” she says.
There is a LifeLine office in Tsakane where the monthly costs are about R15 000.
She urges the community to assist the organisation to continue rendering their much-needed services
A R10 donation will keep the counselling service open for another 30 minutes.
“Please be patient when the phone is not always answered immediately,” she adds.
Volunteers are rendering their services according to a roster and are not always available.
LifeLine can be called on 0861 322 322 or 011 422 4242.
The Tsakane office number is 081 598 5743.