Meet Lifeline’s new director

Lifeline Ekurhuleni has a new director, and she is adamant to turn the centre around to offer specialised community-driven services.

Mampe Sepheka joined Lifeline in 2021 following an extensive career as director of various local government community service departments.
She graduated as a social worker at the University of Free State.

According to Sepheka, the Ekurhuleni branch has faced many challenges that have forced her and her team to go back to the drawing board and assess the centre’s role within the community.
“With the restructuring within the organisation, we had to face the many setbacks that have plagued the centre,” she said.

“There was a mass exodus of lay counsellors, which had a negative impact on our phone-counselling services.
“We were fortunate enough to have 24 volunteers return to service and are confident that more will make themselves available.”

She added that most of the calls that volunteers are receiving are from victims of gender-based violence, which is leaving them feeling isolated and lonely.

“The statistics are painting a bleak picture, but we have to shift our focus to making a substantial and lasting impact on the psycho-social ills in our communities,” she said.

“I believe that we need to expand our services into the traditional townships in Ekurhuleni.
“By doing so, we will send a strong message that Lifeline is here and your cries for help will not go unheard.”
Lifeline services are free to anyone in need, but its ongoing service relies heavily on the financial support of local businesses and communities.

“I hope to engage with our local business sector and once again garner their support for our centre as I believe there are many lives we can still influence in a positive and lasting manner,” she said.
For more information about how you can become involved with Lifeline Ekurhuleni, call 011 421 0384.

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