The South African Depression and Anxiety Group needs your help

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has grown larger by the day, increasing the need for more volunteers to assist people who need help.

The non-profit organisation offers free telephonic counselling, information on mental illness and referral to mental health care professionals, clinics and hospitals.

The group has increased its visibility, added telephonic lines to its system and is in need of more counsellors. Sadag founder Zane Wilson said the organisation was in need of mature telephone counsellors who would like to give back to the community and be a voice of hope for callers in their time of need.

Callers from all over South Africa are assisted by volunteers who address their queries, seven days a week, during four hour shifts from 8am to 8pm. The largest mental heath advocacy group in South Africa receives up to 400 calls per day.

“All new volunteers will be trained both formally as well as given on–site training, which can be started when convenient and be done either during the day, evening or weekends for those who work full-time,” said Wilson.

A counsellor, who wanted to remain anonymous, has been counselling for the group for more than 20 years. He said he had learnt a great deal since being a volunteer.

“These years of counselling have taught me humility, and made me aware that assistance with mental health and education is required,” he said. “The stigma is still a major obstacle and very challenging, yet fulfilling.”

Another counsellor said through the organisation she had learnt about the effects of poverty and unemployment which had affected her life in a positive way. She also learnt how to talk to people with confidence.

For more information contact SADAG.

Details: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group 011 234 4837