Cape Town - Warriors of Hope South Africa has inaugurated its Wellness Centre and Helpline, aiming to provide essential support for individuals grappling with grief and bereavement.
Located at 12 Veld Road, Belgravia Estate, the centre operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, while the Listening Hearts Helpline is accessible from 8.30am to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Clinical psychologist and head of the psychosocial division at Warriors of Hope, Mohamed Rawoot, said: “The need for a service like the Warriors of Hope Helpline is particularly urgent in our communities, where grief and bereavement are often compounded by cultural beliefs and misconceptions.”
He said unprocessed grief could lead to psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“This service is vital for anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one, be it a child, spouse, or family member.
“The helpline offers a compassionate ear and professional guidance, helping individuals navigate their emotions and find a path to healing. It is designed for anyone experiencing grief, regardless of their background.”
The will be no cost; however, donations and other forms of support have been welcomed.
“Our trained responders are equipped to offer immediate emotional assistance and appropriate referrals to further resources if necessary. While the primary focus is on grief and loss, we are also prepared to guide individuals experiencing other forms of emotional distress and connect them with the right mental health care providers,” said Rawoot.
Warriors of Hope South Africa founder and director Zeenat Parker said the organisation has for over a decade helped to improve the lives of individuals through various initiatives.
This started when Parker was requested to be a chaplain at a children’s hospital in Cape Town.
“We realised there are broader needs outside of the confines of the hospital, and the underlying problem in all of these spaces was trauma. We then started a support group with parents who have lost children,” she said.
The Listening Hearts Helpline toll free number is 0800 467 300 and the Wellness Centre can be reached at 021 013 5182.
Cape Argus