MobieG, a Randburg company which started operating in 2010, has created a website offering free online counselling for the community.
It was one of the first text-based counselling amenities offered in South Africa on the Mxit platform using software developed by a university student.
When Mxit closed down, MobieG had already developed its own software, aside from launching its own website, and have developed an app for Android and iPhone users.
MobieG’s managing director, Stephnie Crouse said the online platform was developed to assist a generation who was raised on technology.
“Young people are a text-based generation and prefer communicating that way rather than via a phone call.
If they need help, they turn to friends for often incorrect advice.
That is why we decided to step in so we can be a voice of reason and help them seek correct assistance and that’s why we counsel using text-based counselling, which reaches thousands,” said Crouse.
More than 45 million South Africans do not have medical aid and according to Crouse, the public sector has 1.2 psychiatrists per 100 000 people and 2.6 psychologists per 100 000 people.
Although the text-based counselling has helped thousands of people around the country, it has not been all smooth sailing for MobieG.
They had to forge a solitary path without any experience to refer to designing their own workshops and manuals. However, Crouse adds that their challenges helped the facilitators assist those in need without discrimination.
The counselling service’s target market is geared towards 18 to 35-year-olds according to their statistics based on their visits. Their software aggregates call and message to the MobieG system, which then spreads the calls between its facilitators.
“This age group is troubled and it’s a generation who are unemployed after graduating and this adds to their depression.
Our system helps us record statistics about the kinds of issues, ages, cellphones they use and areas they come from. Our website has 30 quizzes and the one people fill in the most is the one about sexual abuse followed by self-harm.
“Counselling is from Sundays to Thursdays for two hours from 7pm to 9.30pm. We start at 6pm on Sundays. We rely on volunteers from all walks of life; some are lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses and pastors.”
For more information call 011 326 1330 or 078 861 5023 or log onto www.mobieg.co.za
