The Department of Health and Social Development has put in place a plan to reduce the number of learners who commit suicide because of exam related stress.
The initiative to provide counseling services to grade 12 pupils is in partnership with Department of Education, Department of Community Safety and Lifeline.
The service will be responsive to those scholars who may feel overwhelmed while writing and after the exams.
Emotional support that will be rendered to matric learners will be the foundation for engaging the individuals in counseling. The service will be provided through one-on-one interaction and trauma containment as well as through the forming of support groups and mentorship programmes.
The department has engaged Lifeline to provide this service. They utilise volunteers and will do the necessary referrals to the various departments as the need arises. The interventions will be provided telephonically which is a 24 hour toll free service, and an in depth one on one session will be held at regional officeswhen necessary.
To further support Lifeline, the department through its regional offices and hospital psychologists will also offer psychosocial support services and psychologists from Department of Education will also be utilised. The pupils can also seek assistance at the victim support centres mostly based at police stations.
Social workers at different regions:
West Rand
Thaltha Filmer
Cell: 082 494 4129
Mamiki Kgame
Cell: 082 464 7023
Dolly Maselwane
Cell: 082 469 3121
Johannesburg
Lorraine Cock
Cell: 082 567 6719
Ekurhuleni
Lynne Rossellty
Cell: 082 469 0428
Sedibeng
Hansie van Huysteen
Cell: 082 460 7418
Tshwane
Siphiwe Matsimela
Cell: 082 469 0431
Emergency numbers and helplines:
Lifeline:0861 322 322
SAPS: 10 111
SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 0800 055 555
AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322 or 011 725 6710
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
