Alberton’s Toughlove SA branch relocated

Toughlove SA Alberton relocated from LewenSentrum to Power Corp Africa Business Park, 48 Fourth Avenue in Alberton North.

They are a donation-based support group for anyone in crisis who can’t afford medical aid and who needs guidance and support.

Their NPO gets funding through corporates and charity drives.

“With sponsorships and fund-raisers, we can help many people,” said Chantal Grotto, Toughlove SA board chairperson.

Supporting others

Toughlove SA is a support group programme that gives support to individuals and families in crises as a result of abuse, substance abuse, mental illness and bullying.

The group has been in operation for over 25 years and has seen thousands of families through the programme into a healthier and safer space. The support groups are driven by people who simply have been through life’s challenges availing themselves to give guidance and support.

Initially started by parents who were struggling to deal with their loved ones in addiction, the support groups then grew to help families and individuals in crises.

Alberton Toughlove SA Support group has been running for more than 10 years and has about 40 members.

“We are regular people helping other regular people who need support. We are for the community by the community,” said Rosanna Leigh Fraga, senior coordinator of the Alberton branch.

She has been part of the NPO for the last five years and she has seen many miracles.

“We wish we could tell you that your problems are now over. From our experience, you will need to give your Toughlove group time and stick to the programme before you start seeing changes.

“We welcome your participation. We welcome your support and together we can be successful in reclaiming control of our lives and our homes,” Rosanna added.

Transforming lives

Toughlove SA has transformed the lives of so many for the better who lost hope and found themselves in extremely dark spaces, often leading to suicide.

“We all know the feeling when the walls start closing in, when you feel your heart beating through your chest, your vision even gets blurry and you feel the onset of the sweats! When you find yourself in this moment of anxiety, it’s often like a result of one or another crisis,” said Chantal.

“But a crisis to one person is often very different to a crisis to another. Despite this, the result of a crisis is when most people don’t see hope or resolve to the challenge facing them head-on. This though does not need to be the end of the road. A crisis does not need defeating anyone.”

A crisis generally is defined as a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is a determined turning point.

It is also a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.

“To add to this, it is also a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person’s life,” she said.

Support groups

Rosanna said there are three support groups. One for young adults, a family support group and the main support group.

“It is important everyone knows they are in a safe place and are there for support and not for judging. We try to talk about broad topics where some can relate to,” said Rosanna.

Support groups take place weekly on Tuesdays from 18:30 at the new location.

“These support groups are non-profit based, which means we rely on donations and funding to provide the guidance and support we do to others,” she explained.

Chantal said Toughlove started over 25 years ago and has grown to over 30 branches countrywide.

“Thousands of people have been through its doors, receiving help, guidance and support for most crises,” said Chantal.

For more information, send an email to toughlovemarketingsa@gmail.com or contact Rosanna on 083 999 2699, Michael 071 866 4629 or Chantal 082 372 3039 or visit their website.

They are also on Facebook and Instagram. For any social media enquiries, contact Warwick on 081 344 9328.