Call centre provides support after Mandela’s death
THE Department of Social Development has made its 24-hour call centre for victims of gender-based violence staffed by trained social workers and hosted by Vodacom - available to provide psycho-social support for South Africans struggling to deal with Nelson Mandela's death.
The special service, which is available during the 10-day mourning period declared by President Jacob Zuma, will assist individuals by preventing distress and suffering and help people cope better. “Social and shared experiences caused by disruptive events such as death, a sense of loss and feelings of helplessness may have severe psycho-social consequences if not attended to immediately. Tata Mandela was dearly loved by all South Africans and the effects of his passing on our society cannot be underestimated,” said minister for social development, Bathabile Dlamini.
Those experiencing difficulty in dealing psychologically with Madiba's death can call 0860-004-015 to speak to a professional counsellor. The service is available 24-hours a day.
