The local helpline for children was established in response to the escalation in child abuse reports and the lack of an appropriate, responsive child protection system in the province.

Childline North West has provided a 24-hour toll-free counselling service since October 2000, when the line was linked to the National Childline system and all calls from the North West were referred to this line. Cases of a serious nature were referred to the appropriate government or non-profit service providers to ensure that the clients received the necessary follow-up responses. There was a large increase in calls after this linkage. Childline North West was registered as a non-profit organisation (017-604 NPO) on February 25, 2002 and has operated as an independent NPO in order to focus on service delivery to children and to expand the services offered to children.

Since 2002, when Childline North West was launched, the organisation has been providing free telephonic counselling and referral services to all children and their families in the province. It has grown and developed into an effective, respected service for children in the province.

Childline North West is receiving calls from children and adults concerned about children with problems ranging from child abuse (sexual, physical and emotional abuse) to poverty, family relationships, HIV/ Aids, domestic violence, disability, missing children, children with suicidal thoughts, migrant children, educational support and many more. Calls to the toll-free number are free of charge to the callers from Telkom landlines and all cell phone service providers.

Childline North West expanded its programmes to include therapeutic services by social workers. This allows children who cannot afford professional therapy to have access to services in the J B Marks Municipality and the biggest part of the Matlosana Municipality, and Lichteburg.

For many children who are abused, affected, and infected by HIV/Aids, poverty and violence in rural underdeveloped areas, the Childline help line is the first line of service that children and their parents engage with. This approach of prevention and early intervention has been proven as more effective than the reactive or secondary intervention. This service is also free of charge and children and their caregivers receive therapeutic intervention, other supporting services. The services build the resilience of individuals, families and communities and empower them with skills and knowledge to cope with their challenging circumstances and to address social dysfunctions themselves.

These services build resilience of individuals, families and communities and empower them with skills and knowledge to cope with their challenging circumstances and to address social ills themselves. The social workers conduct home visits and provide effective specialised services by taking the service to the children.

Childline North West has a proven history of rendering high-quality services and plays a vital role in both the prevention and treatment of child abuse. The organisation strives to represent sanctuary, support and the recognition that crimes against children will not go unchallenged.

Childline North West is currently experiencing a huge challenge in keeping its doors open due to financial challenges and would like to urge the community of Potchefstroom and the broader North West to provide financial support to keep it sustainable.

As a member of the North West community, we urgently appeal to you to donate R200 to our Back-a-Buddy campaign. Your contribution will provide immediate support and help keep our doors open.

If 1 000 people donate R200, we will reach our goal.

If 1 000 people sponsor a “Call for a Child in Need” with a monthly recurring payment, Childline North West can maintain its essential 24-hour helpline for vulnerable children across the province. The North West needs this helpline for children. A Back-a-Buddy campaign has been started to help Childline. People can donate using the link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/save-childline-north-west-keep-the-helpline-open

You are welcome to contact the director of Childline North West, Melindi van Rooyen ON 083 623 7639 or director@childlinenw.co.za.