SADAG needs more volunteers for busy Suicide Call Centre in Sandton
New volunteers attend a two-day training workshop which will take place on September 29 and October 6
The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Call Centre answers an average of 600 calls a day and handles hundreds of emails, SMSs, Facebook and Twitter posts.
SADAG, now in its 24th yearof running an-18 line call centre for callers dealing with all mental health issues, including running the country’s only suicide helpline, is in need of more volunteer telephonic counsellors.
The need for more people is due to the massive publicity over the past few months which has led to an increase in calls to the call centre on a daily basis.
New volunteers attend a two-day training workshop which will take place on September 29 and October 6. The training also includes 12 onsite sessions in the call centre while working with senior counsellors.
SADAG currently has over 140 volunteer counsellors who give their time, skills and support to people who need assistance, guidance and referrals in dealing with
various mental health issues such as depression, bipolar, substance abuse, anxiety, panic and suicidal thoughts, all of which counsellors are trained to
help with.
Many counsellors have had depression or PTSD themselves and now feel stronger to help other people because they can better understand what they are going
through.
If you are interested in volunteering at SADAG, one must be a mature, kind and patient individual willing to commit to a four-hour shift a week.
For more information, download the form at www.sadag.org or call 0800 70 80 90 and speak to Michelle.
