Psycho-Social Support for Youth
At the Assumption Development Counselling Centre (ADC) in Joza, Makhanda, we are dedicated to providing essential psycho-social support for youth in our community.
Young people face severe mental health challenges that are made worse by economic poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mission is to ensure that these young individuals receive the support and treatment they need to lead healthy, productive lives.
Our Story
Established in 2022, the Counselling Clinic is a collaborative effort between Rhodes University’s Psychology and Community Engagement Divisions and the Assumption Development Centre (ADC). Located in the vibrant ADC community centre in Makhanda East, the Clinc offers accessible, free psycho-social and wellness services.
This initiative addresses the overwhelming demand for mental health services in the local community and provides valuable service learning opportunities for Rhodes University’s psychology students.
We focus on a holistic approach that includes:
- Individual Counselling: We provide free, accessible counselling sessions to help young people and their families build psychological resilience and succeed in educational and post-school opportunities.
- Preventative Workshops: We conduct workshops in schools, addressing topics determined by the students themselves. These workshops aim to educate and prevent mental health issues before they escalate.
- Crisis Management: Our team offers support during crises, such as the death of a student or community disasters, ensuring that schools and NPOs have the necessary assistance during difficult times.
- Research and Training: We conduct research to identify issues and develop community-university solutions. We also provide training for Life Orientation teachers, equipping them with the skills needed to support their students effectively.
Impact
Since our inception, we have made significant strides in providing mental health support:
- Counselling Sessions: We hold 40 counselling sessions monthly during term time, offering much-needed relief to families.
- Preventative Workshops: We conduct 8 workshops monthly in schools, with positive feedback from students and cooperation from school principals.
- Crisis Management: Our crisis support services have been utilized by a growing number of schools and NPOs, assisting them in managing challenging situations.
- Research and Training: We have developed training materials for Life Orientation teachers, helping them provide better support to their students.
We are grateful for the support from the KAVOD Trust and other donors who make our work possible. Your contributions help us provide critical psycho-social support, unlocking pathways to education, employment, and improved well-being for vulnerable communities.
Last Modified: Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:17:28 SAST