Stakeholders want to help people at soup kitchen in Standerton

The Kasselman Security Soup Kitchen invited several stakeholders to be a part of this week’s food drive. The weekly soup kitchen coincided with a drug awareness campaign to inform vagrants that there are many options to better their quality of life.

Stakeholders present at the event included the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, Gert Sibande College, the fire department and the CPF.

The Department of Health spoke to the vagrants regarding the importance of HIV screening and handed out condoms during the initial briefing.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) launched a full drug awareness campaign, inviting two ex-drug addicts to share their stories and inform the vagrants of free rehabilitation options.

Mbongiseni Mngomezulu, social worker for the Department of Social Development explained to those present that early intervention is the key to ending drug abuse.

“We need to encourage those who are dependent on substances to seek treatment voluntarily,” explained Mngomezulu.

He explained that at least five counselling sessions must be completed by a service user to start the rehabilitation process.

According to Mngomezulu, the counselling sessions are aimed towards restoring family relationships and ensuring that they are mentally prepared for rehabilitation.

He further explained that part of this care is to assist drug abusers to set long term goals they can carry post-rehab and to help them draft a relapse prevention plan.

Once a three month programme at a rehab facility is completed, the DSD aims to re-unite the ex drug abuser with their families and provide aftercare support to ensure sustained sobriety.

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“After the programme has been completed, we link service users with available job and educational opportunities,” said Mngomezulu.

William Zwane, a former drug addict who recently completed the treatment programme delivered an emotional speech wherein he encouraged drug users to take responsibility for their own health and seek help.

“I was formerly dependent on nyaope, but after completing the programme, I want to set an example for my fellow youth,” said Zwane.

He is determined to live and maintain a drug free life. Gert Sibande College spoke to the vagrants regarding options to further their studies and make a better future for themselves.

The fire department and CPF warned the vagrants to shy away from crime as this could affect their prospective job opportunities. After the briefing, vagrants could enjoy a warm meal with a chocolatey treat provided by Seriti.