AMANZIMTOTI Trauma Unit in Doonside has a new leader at its helm, Gail Schreiner, in the dual role of centre manager and social worker.
Gail is no stranger to the organisation, having previously taken on the role of a board member. “The board asked me to run the organisation and I accepted. My passion is organisational development and I want to move the trauma unit to the next level. I am excited about the challenges and changes ahead,” she said.
To forge closer ties with the community, an open day will be held on Tuesday, 5 August from 9am to 11am at 1 Queens Terrace. “I want the community to be aware of our services. Our focus is to provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, family therapy and counselling and debriefing of victims of crime and violence.”
Since January to date, the centre has seen 103 clients. “We see an increase in clients during holidays and weekends, as alcohol abuse leads to domestic violence.”
The trauma unit has a safe house to accommodate women and children who have been abused and who find themselves in a volatile or dangerous situation. The duration of stay is up to three days or longer, depending on the case. However, the homeless, the destitute, street children, drug addicts, mental patients, alcoholics, frail care or elderly in need of medical supervision are not provided for. The centre also does not assist people travelling through town who find themselves stranded without a place to stay.
The organisation has also partnered with Unisa and currently has two social work students who will spend a year and complete their practical applications.
Other plans for later in the year are an awareness exhibition to commemorate 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children and a fundraising banquet.
As volunteers are the backbone of non-profit organisations, the centre is on the look-out for committed volunteers to help out. “We can’t function without volunteers. We need them to debriefs clients, training will be provided, and to assist with fundraising. We also need someone to manage and update our Facebook page.”
The trauma unit is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 3.30pm. Call 031-903-7777 during office and after hours emergency.
