Make a difference in the Sandton community

The Sandton Victim Empowerment Programme would like to appeal to the community for new volunteers to join its team of superheroes helping those in need.

The dedicated group of counsellors offer a free-of-charge service to victims of crime who have been left traumatised and may require counselling.

According to long-time volunteer Vanessa Colley, joining the programme was one of the best decisions that she had made in her life.

“I have loved every minute of it, it is so rewarding, and you learn so much about people. You learn to appreciate the small things in life, when working here and you feel like you are giving back to the community because there are a lot of people who can’t afford counselling.”

Her journey with the programme began three years ago and since then, Colley has not looked back – making a difference one conversation at a time.

“We learn all the time, you can never stop learning and you can use those skills to help someone move forward in usually traumatic circumstances,” said Colley.

She added that while the volunteers were there to lend an ear and assist anyone who came through their door, the journey as a volunteer was also self-rewarding.

“As a person, you just learn so much about yourself [as] you come across people that you wouldn’t normally meet in your everyday life; you realise the humane side of people.”

Colley encourages anyone who has some time to spare to contact them and become a volunteer.

“It is worth giving it a try because you would be surprised at how rewarding it is when somebody comes in crying and broken, and they leave with a smile on their face and hope in their heart.”

Are you over the age of 27 and interested in volunteering? Contact the Sandton Victim Empowerment Programme on 082 774 7564.

ALSO READ:

https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/278034/get-the-help-that-you-deserve/

https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/243483/saps-victim-empowerment-programme-16daysofactivism/