Free places to take your child for counselling

The tragic deaths of Parktown Boys pupil Enock Mpianza and Keamohetswe Shaun Seboko have left the country reeling. Here are some places that offer therapy for children.

The Johannesburg Parent and Child Counselling Centre (JPCCC)

Offering counselling and, training, this development agency which provides short or long-term therapy for adolescents, families, adults, couples, and play therapy for children. JPCCC sends trained counsellors into schools to give learners space for discussion and to help in coping with their emotional difficulties. They offer short-term counselling, parent guidance, and teacher support. They run learner support groups for bereavement and trauma. They refer learners for other interventions when needed.

Contact:011 484 1734 / Soweto: 011 980 0106

Childline SA

Childline SA is primarily a counselling service for children up to the age of 18. They chat with children from all over South Africa as well as adults who have concerns about children. Childline understands that sometimes the people you should be able to talk to are just not available or that children feel scared to approach them.

Contact: 08000 55 555

FAMSA

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest challenges and transitions that we confront in life. It is however inevitable that each of us in our lifetime will experience loss through bereavement. Helping people to cope with loss, grief and bereavement is one of the many services that FAMSA offers. There are 28 affiliates across the country with satellite offices.

Contact the national office at 011 975 7106/7

Life Line

Situated in Norwood, experienced lay counsellors are ready and willing to talk to those in need about any topic. Life Line offers both a WhatsApp number and crisis number.

Crisis: 011 728 1347

WhatsApp call counselling line: 065 989 9238

REVIVE

Offering free counselling services to members of the community who have experienced a traumatic event, or are struggling to cope with any other personal or relational issues.  REVIVE offers many trained volunteer lay-counsellors who devote their time and energy in the service of others.  This short term counselling service provides access to an essential service to those individuals and families who may not otherwise have been able to afford such a service.

Contact: 041 373 8882/3