WITH the new year still in its infancy, the struggle against drugs continues, and residents, wellness centres, the JMPD and SAPS are taking action to combat drug dealing and drug addiction.
The Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC), also known as the REC Wellness Centre, at the corner of Harry Street and Rifle Range roads in Robertsham, is inviting the community to help it help the young people of the South who are wasting the best years of their lives by using illegal substances that often lead them to commit crimes that destroy the very same communities they live in.
“This wellness centre is different from many rehab centres because it is not a rehab and it is free of charge. Neither the addiction counsellor nor I is making any money from doing this, and everyone here comes because they or their parents have acknowledged that they have a problem and need help. When patients comes here, we detox them and start teaching them a way of life as if they were kids again. You can bring even a nyaope addict – I will detox him or her, and in just three days he or she will be energetic and eating in ways he or she had not done in a long time,” said addiction counsellor Wayne Fearick.
In-patient Deon Kok is working on an outreach drug awareness programme to address the problem in the communities by going door to door and setting up stations to educate residents about the dangers of using drugs. He said: “When I came to this centre I had no hope – I had given up. But with the help of Wayne and Linda Hedley, I learnt that there is loving and caring after prison.” Deon is helping youngsters shake the habit daily.
“We have approached a lot of local companies and organisations for small financial support us because we get none from government. But it is difficult to get that kind of help. I think people do not like ‘addiction’ – they rather donate their money elsewhere. But from my expertise I know that a lot of crimes start with drug addiction. And those crimes affect these local firms and companies most,” he added.
There are plans and proposals to grow the centre to help and reach more people in the South. Anyone wishing to get help or volunteer is welcome to contact Wayne on 084 316 4723 or Deon on 073 843 1375 or Linda on 078 238 9377. Small donations are accepted at Standard Bank, Account name: Phela Giving Back, Southdale Branch, Branch Code: 006405, Account number: 003644359.
Also Read:
A child on drugs – A parent’s nightmare
Drugs not dope – Quit and live life
