LifeLine in Norwood offers comprehensive counselling services to those in need
NORWOOD - The WhatsApp connect group does not replace the usual telephone counselling services but gives clients an efficient way to book appointments.
LifeLine Johannesburg in Norwood has initiated a WhatsApp connect group to give clients a cheaper method of booking therapy sessions with their counsellors.
The group is earmarked to give people who require counselling a new platform to connect with the organisation rather than having to wait for a long time when phoning their hotline number.
Nicole Imerman, a LifeLine counsellor and employee wellness manager, said when a client contacts LifeLine the call bounces from one telephone line to the other. She said this subjects their clients to a longer wait for assistance and some even give up if it takes too long to get through.
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With the WhatsApp connect group, she said a client is able to send a message or use voice caller and a counsellor will respond and even book appointments for them.
“You find that clients contact our hotline, which is national, and they hold for a long time and it becomes costly for them, especially on their cell phones,” said Imerman.
“So, with this initiative, we’re able to respond as soon as we see the message. We, however, do not do counselling on that platform but we’re able to book an appointment for them and give feedback.”
Imerman said this does not replace the telephone counselling and encouraged clients who require their services to use that platform.
Even though the WhatsApp connect group does come in handy and enhances LifeLine’s services, counsellor Wendy Gidlow said it could also be frustrating at times. “The connection might not be clear and it becomes quite tricky. It’s, however, an obstacle that we have to deal with it but I still encourage people to use it,” she said.
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LifeLine services are free and anyone who has a crisis can contact them on 011 728 1347.
Imerman said they offer telephonic and face-to-face counselling for people who require their assistance, adding that whatever you discuss with a counsellor remains confidential.
Details: Nicole Imerman 011 728 1331.
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