Sadag needs counsellors and support groups
JOBURG - The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) in Sandton is looking for volunteers.
The group is looking for dedicated mature people who are willing to share their time of four hours a week at the group’s Rivonia call centre.
Sadag helps callers countrywide with mental health queries such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and suicide. There are 15 helplines which are open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. The group is the largest mental health NGO in Africa and receives around 400 calls per day.
Volunteers are needed to help keep its 15 helplines running. The group is currently looking for compassionate, mature counsellors who will receive training at a two day training workshop on 7 and 8 March in Sandton.
Volunteers are required to do additional onsite training which is done either during the day, in the evenings or on weekends for those who work full time.
Being a volunteer counsellor can help psychology and social work students obtain practical experience.
“My small contribution of four hours once a week, answering the helplines is so rewarding,” said a Sadag counsellor, Shanne Altshuler. “I know that I am able to counsel and comfort callers who are stressed, anxious, depressed, ill or suicidal, and who don’t know where else to turn.”
Details: www.sadag.org
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