Lifeline needed for Lulama

SANCA’S Lulama Treatment Centre in Berea is in dire straits and facing an uncertain future as costs spiral and funding dries up.

According to director, Ishara Poodhun, the non-profit organisation, which was established in 1955, relies heavily on funding and grants from the Department of Social Development, however this contribution is just a drop in the ocean in relation to what the centre requires each month to provide its excellent service.

“The subsidies have become erratic and as all NPOs vie for the same cake, it is getting smaller, especially in the depressed economic climate. We were told at the end of last year that we must no longer depend on the department, and to focus on being more sustainable, but we simply cannot absorb all the costs alone.

“The cost of the in-patient service is exorbitant, it costs between R850 000 and R1-million to run the centre. I don’t think the community realises that someone has to foot this massive bill,” she said.

Poodhun said the organisation was unable to pay full salaries to their much-needed staff, and she had to be understanding if they decided to leave.

She said it was difficult to find funding in the community as the substance abuse sector did not attract public empathy because of the stigma attached to abuse and alcoholism, and the misconception of addiction.

“Many people still think that addiction is self-inflicted, when it is actually a chronic disease which affects the chemical balance of the brain. The person is unable to control the aspects of the addiction without help because of the mental or physical conditions involved,” she said.

Walter Petersen, manager of prevention services at Lulama, said the organisation helped people suffering from substance abuse from areas as far as Mandeni in the north, Cato Ridge and Umkomaas in the south.

“We have diverse services, including in- and out-patient care for adults and children, an aftercare programme, training and community development and awareness programmes at schools and businesses. We offer specialised, accessible and affordable prevention and treatment services to enhance quality of life and restore self-respect and dignity to people affected by substance abuse, so they can be integrated back into society to live meaningful lives.

“The need for a treatment facility such as this is so important, as the alcohol and drug problem in our schools and communities has reached alarming proportions and continues to escalate,” he said.

Poodhun said it would be extremely sad if the organisation had to scale down its services because of lack of funding.

“Without funding, it would mean we would have to curtail services or even close. We are at a critical phase as we are trying to meet all costs; something would need to go. We are just working to keep open. Our costs include building maintenance, maintaining the level of treatment programmes, and another expensive cost is the need for specialised staff such as doctors and nurses. We need help,” she said.

“Time is short, we are sitting with a crisis which can be overcome. I never want to lose hope, we would never want to close down or downsize, but our need is big. We are making the strongest possible appeal to the corporate sector (CSI departments) and community at large to partner with us and pledge financial support on behalf of the thousands of beneficiaries who have been successfully treated in the past, as well as those who currently require intervention,” said Petersen.

Poodhun said SANCA Durban has been approved for purposes of Section 18 of the Income Tax Act of 1962 and donations to the organisation will be tax-deductible in the hands of the donors.

Anyone able to assist in any way, be it in financial contributions or free building maintenance services of any kind, should contact Lulama on 031 202 2241 or e-mail lulama@mweb.co.za.