MBOMBELA – Carers of Childline Mpumalanga were able to take some time out to focus on themselves by attending a wellness day held at Nelspruit Golf Club.
The 54 carers turned their energy inwards with the help of organisational psychologist, Linda Brenchley, Training Edge and Genesis Financial Planners.
“This is something people who take care of others must do in order to maintain their ability and willingness to be of service to others,” said organisational psychologist Linda Brenchley, who facilitated a psychological workshop and relaxation exercises on the day.
Childline Mpumalanga is an organisation that works quietly behind the scenes trying to ensure that all children in the province are able to experience the joys of childhood.
With various on-going projects, Childline Mpumalanga has thus far reached 192 girls through its sexual reproductive health programme and 21 410 learners at schools via its child abuse prevention programme.
Other initiatives at the core of the organisation’s mission include heath care activities such as clinical nutrition, access to HIV counselling and testing, provision of food gardens, homework support and vocational training.
Brenchley said that people who take care of others are particularly prone to burn-out as they often need to cope with very difficult and demanding emotional situations as part of their occupation.
“Childline values their employees and are ensuring that they remain psychologically fit so that they can provide a quality service to the children of Mpumalanga,” Brenchley explained.
Training Edge Westend got all of the Childline carers who attended the wellness day on their feet for a light workout, while Norma Stapelberg from Genesis Financial Planners introduced employees to the concept of financial fitness.
Each employee left with the latest copy of The Ripple Effect, a newspaper dedicated to Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness, sponsored by the newspaper’s publishers and Impilo Yethu.
Marylin Jordan from Childline said that the carers do not often get a chance to focus on themselves.
“This is a very hardworking group of people and they do not get many days off, so it was fantastic for them to have this opportunity to learn from some very inspirational people and loosen up a bit,” Jordan said.
