Here’s how children can get free counselling in Wentworth

YOUTH from Ward 68 are invited to free counselling sessions which will be available at the Abbaquar-San Dream Centre, situated at Gardenia Road, in Wentworth.

Services are offered by the Durban Child Welfare, and counselling is offered to children up to 18 years old.

A social worker will be available to counsel children every Tuesday, between 08:00 to 16:00.

Also read: Organisation aims to help those dealing with depression

Chairperson of the centre, Chieftess Olivia Jones, said parents, guardians, relatives or neighbours can help children by directing them safely to the social worker at the centre.

“In childhood and adolescence, emotions can run high, and small changes in routine or family life can make a big impact on a child’s mental health. Our community is riddled with many social ills, which have an impact on children. Child counselling aims to help children and teenagers work through these emotions and stressful times so they can develop into adults who can manage daily life independently, without allowing the social ills to negatively impact them.

“Children are taught healthy coping mechanisms that will see them through the rest of their lives, giving them a safe outlet to speak about their experiences, frustrations and fears,” added Jones.

The Abbaquar-San Dream Centre is a cultural organisation geared towards assisting, uplifting and rebuilding the community.

“As an organisation, our efforts lie predominately with the youth as well as the elderly within our community. We offer various activities for the youth, and we hope to see the children utilise the services of the counselling sessions so we can help them strengthen their mental health. We urge those who know of cases of abuse and neglect to direct those children to us,” Jones said.

For more information, call the centre on 068 128 7077.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.