Bethel Jewlal

LifeLine Zululand

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History Forty-seven years ago, the LifeLine service was brought to South Africa by Rev. Peter Storey, from its beginnings in Australia. Some of the prominent figures that have been associated with LifeLine over the years include Rev. Beyers Naude and Bishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. LifeLine South Africa’s core business is Mental Health and Emotional Wellness. Annually, on a national level, over 1.6 million people utilise its telephone and face-to-face counselling services and benefit from its various community projects. LifeLine Zululand is affiliated to LifeLine National , however, remains as an independent centre with its own NPO registration number: 002-544. All centres in South Africa are autonomous i.e. self-directed, self- governing, are self-funded, relying on grants, donors and income generating streams in order to function. There are more than 17 LifeLine Centres spread across all provinces in South Africa. In KwaZulu Natal there are three independent centres, i.e. LifeLine Pietermaritzburg, LifeLine Durban and LifeLine Zululand. Approximately 75% of LifeLine Zululand’s current interventions relate to Gender-Based Violence, HIV/AIDS and Teenage Pregnancy. LifeLine Zululand believes that an emotionally-well person copes better with life's challenges, has higher self-esteem, and maintains a more meaningful and satisfying relationship within diverse cultural societies. LifeLine Zululand was established by Norman Midwood in 1987 with its first point of presence being in Empangeni. Today more than 35years later the centre has grown to having 54 point of presence,2 x white door temporary shelters, 2 x crisis centres, supporting 2 x rape crisis centres in Northern KwaZulu Natal. The current capacity of 180 incl. the Chief Executive Officer, Operations Manager, Finance and Project Managers and a host of qualified social workers, nurses, and social auxiliary workers making up the team. The Organisation is established on its constitution and set of policies and guidelines, as such, have created a respected reputation with funders, donors grant management agencies, local and big businesses as well as the communities in which the organisation operates including its beneficiaries. Over the years LifeLine Zululand has provided high quality service to the communities through a well organised infrastructure offering counselling, containment, community initiatives, empowerment and development capacity building and outreach service. Through these services, LifeLine Zululand gained a core group of trained facilitators and counsellors, who are equipped to initiate a mushrooming programme of Community based partnerships to enhance Emotional Wellness towards Social and Behaviour Change, e.g., dynamic reduction of stigma in communities and increase on reporting sexual assault, domestic violence and other social ills that communities have accepted as normal. LifeLine Zululand has learned to utilise dialogues regarding sensitive matters e.g. gender-driven behaviour, learning through peer interventions and personal growth programmes in order to engage community members in a leadership role focused on enhancing mental health and emotional wellbeing of their communities and finding workable solutions for societal monsters like Gender Based Violence, Stigma and Discrimination. As mental health and emotional wellness dictates our emotions and responds to life’s direction, LifeLine Zululand’s focus is both reactive and proactive. LifeLine is a true community-based Organisation ensuring dynamic community partnerships support communities taking ownership of the enhancement of their own emotional wellness. This adds the following values: • a partnership-approach towards community engagement and empowerment • working in-for-with communities • strengthening communities to connect and develop sustained mental health awareness • providing a quality ensured, peer reviewed product • networking with other care-providing or similar organisations in the communities LifeLine Zululand Centre, est. 1987 14 Bauhinia Bend, Arboretum, Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal Governance and Management Structure Board Members Chairman - AD Savides Vice Chairman - VS Zulu Secretary - FC Thusi Treasurer - T Madondo Board Member- CE Harry Management Committee Chief Executive Officer: B Jewlal Operations Manager: N Maphumulo Senior Finance Officer: PBMthembu Project Manager: ND Mayise Project Manager – L Mhlanzi 1. Infrastructure LifeLine Zululand operates from a premises sponsored by Operations Jump Start since 2007. The Organisations areas of operation is Northern Kwa- ZuluNatal. The Organisation currently employs 180 individuals (full and part time) and manages approximately 10 volunteers spread around the three districts and handles an annual budget of just between 20-30million. Service points are based at: Richards Bay: 14 Bauhinia Bend Arboretum, is the main Office, residential property sponsored by Operation Jumpstart Association Thuthuzela Care Centre - Trauma/Rape Crisis Centre 1 x in Empangeni at Ngwelezane Hospital 24hrs service, LifeLine provides Psychosocial support. 1 x in Jozini based at Othobothini Community Health Centre, LifeLine provides psychosocial support In partnership with South Africa Police Service - victim friendly facilities incl. King Cetshwayo District: 11 x point of presence uMkhanyakude District: 15 x points of presence Zululand District: 15 x points of presence Shelters & Crisis Centres White Door Facility (shelter):: 1 x White Door temporary shelter at Zululand District and, 1 x White Door temporary shelter at uMkhanyakude District. Crisis Centres: services available in partnership with DoH at uMkhanyakude District i.e. at Hlabisa and Manguzi Hospital. 2. Legal Status Registration: Registered Non-Profit Organisation, Registration number:002-544 PBO Number: 930007397 Tax Status: Section 18A 10(1) for section 30 certification VAT No: 4730274497 BEE Status: Level 1 supplier Exempt Micro-Enterprise (EME) B-BBEE rating Constitution: Organisation operates within its constitution Affiliation: LifeLine South Africa, and LifeLine International 3. Finances The Organisation’s financial affairs are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by the Board. The CEO is assisted by a finance team plus an external bookkeeping service provider and annually and external audit is conducted. Financial transacting has a dual approval and authorisation process, which includes the CEO and verified by the Board Treasurer and or Chairman. The Organisation has appointed Hills Howard in Empangeni as its accounting and auditing firm for 2024/2025 financial period. The Organisation handles a budget of between 20-30 million annually. Sources of funding current & for the past ten years include: 1. Aids Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) 2. National HIV & AIDS Community of South Africa (NACOSA) 3. National Lotteries Commission (NLC) 4. South 32 5. Mondi Richards Bay 6. Richards Bay Coal Terminal 7. Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) 8. Partnership with Children in Distress network (CINDI) 9. Department of Social Development (DSD) 10. ApexHi (Tshikululu Investments) 11. LifeLine Pietermaritzburg (Ford Foundation) 12. Umfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort 13. Leaf Technologies Sustainability is an ongoing initiative, which is achieved through income generating activities: Training & Awareness Talks on social various ills, suicide prevention awareness; HIV Awareness & HTS to small and medium size business; fund raising & events; employee wellness (Trauma debriefing, Counselling & Support) 4. Committees / Forums The Organisation is active in the community and attends a host of meetings and through these forums LifeLine Zululand remains visible and serves on a few forums as well: Achievements: • Zululand Chamber of Business. Business Excellence Award 2023, Social Entrepreneur. • SAPS Empangeni, 2023- Service Excellence Award • 2023 the Organisation received several other awards for Recognition of Service from SAPS King Cetshwayo Cluster, Babanango SAPS, Jozini SAPS and Pongolo Municipality and Department of Social Development Pongolo Office. • Aloe Lifestyle Hotel, 2023 – Certificate of appreciation • University of Zululand Ethic Committee – Chief Executive Officer serves on the Board as a Community Rep 2016 to date, • Launched the new campaign in 2023 #WECARE4ME, to raise awareness on Mental and Emotional Wellness. • Zululand Welfare & Social Services Development Forum (ZWSSDF), the Chief Executive Officer appointed as Treasurer 2016 to date, • LifeLine South Africa – Chief Executive Officer served on the National Board as a Directors Rep (2021-2023) • Winner of the Business Women’s Association (BWA) Zululand Region, 2017 Social category, and the Chief Executive Officer appointed as treasurer in 2016. • The Dolphin Research in Richards Bay – the Chairman is an active member of the committee • Coastal Beach Clean Up – the Vice-Chair is a member of the committee • Representation at the Victim Empowerment Forum locally and provincially • Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) Stakeholders Forum • Community Policing Forums (CPF) • Operation Sukuma Sakhe • Local Aids Council • Shukumisa Collation Community Services Available in three district municipalities i.e. Zululand, uMkhanyakude & Zululand Reactive: • Anonymous, confidential, 24 hour telephone counselling 7 days a week • Free psychosocial support viz. face to face or telephone counselling • 24 hour crisis response team offering support and guidance after trauma, rape and suicide • Trauma debriefing – individual and group • Rape Crisis services Proactive: • Awareness Talks: Awareness talks, dialogues, and community engagements are conduct at schools, colleges and businesses on a variety of topics as per the current social dilemma facing these individuals or institutions. Topics range from i.e. emotional wellness, gender-based violence, abuse, substance abuse, rape, stress, trauma, suicide, depression, relationships, health educations talks on sexual reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, bereavement, HIV&AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, TB, stigma, human trafficking, empowering individuals, communities and business to become agents of change. • Men and Boys initiatives viz. Imbizo Yamadoda, Sports events, traditional leader’s dialogues, • Youth Programmes: engage in and out of school youth on Life Skills, Peer Educator Training and Workshops. • HIV&AIDS: HIV Counselling and Testing services, Peer Programmes & HIV&AIDS Awareness. 5. Sustainability initiatives Soft Skills Training: • LifeLine Skills training (Personal Growth & Basic lay counselling skills) • Training of counsellors and facilitators for other community-based organisations • ASIST and Safe TALK suicide prevention workshops • Training of South African Police (SAPS) and SAPS Reservists via the Local Victim Empowerment Forum. • Training on Communication Skills, Introduction to Counselling, Trauma Debriefing, Emotional Intelligence • Other Workshops – telephone techniques, basic communication skills, parenting skills, stigma and gender responsiveness, human trafficking, life skills: sexuality, relationships and domestic violence. Other: • Support groups experience in running support groups i.e HIV&AIDS, Oncology (cancer), Home-based care workers, Hospice field workers support, Dept. of Health mentors, Dept. of Health mortuary staff. • Management of an extensive referral and resource networking system • Participation at Corporate wellness days ie. BELL Equipment, Tendele Mines, Mondi Richards Bay, South32, and uMFolozi Casino. Corporate Services (Organisational Sustainability) LifeLine HIV&AIDS in the Work Place Programme (WPP) This programme includes Awareness, Peer Educator training, HCT, Stigma Reduction, Sexual Reproductive Health, and Support. LifeLine Personal Growth and Interpersonal Skills, plus Barongwa Training Programme This programme trains individuals in the helping profession, equipping them with effective listening, helping and coping skills. In corporate business the skills development assists by minimising the absenteeism and in some instances apathy. Dialogues and Awareness Presentations These are conducted on a variety of topics on request and may be aligned to requested service or need. HIV&AIDS Counselling and Testing Services (HCT) We offer this testing service separately from the Workplace Programme (WPP). Employee Assistance Programme / Services Provide companies with EAP services and registered with several national agencies as service providers either directly or via LifeLine Johannesburg. 6. Community Programmes and Projects (current and previous) 6.1. Gender Based Violence Programme Rape Crisis Centre – Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) , Ngwelezane (current) On behalf of the Department of Social Development LifeLine renders a 24hour psycho social support service at this centre for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Preventative activities include conducting awareness dialogues in surrounding communities on Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Gender based Violence and Human Trafficking. The programme is also supported by AFSA. South African Police Station (SAPS) Support – Victim Friendly Facility @ 38 points of presence viz.:- (current) Zululand District x 15: Babanango, Mahlabathini, Ceza, Ulundi, Nongoma, Mpungamhlophe, Glackstad, Mondlo, Vryheid, Paulpietersburg, Phongola, Louwsburg, Hlobane and Ngome uMkhanyakude District x 15: kwaMsane, Mtubathuba, Hlabisa, Ezibayeni, Hluhluwe, Mkuze, Manguzi, Jozini, Mbazwana, Ingwavuma and Ndumo King Cetshwayo District x 11: Richards Bay, Empangeni, Melmoth, Ekhombe, Mambuka, Bhucanana, Kwambonambi, Esikhaweni, Mtunzini. On behalf of the Department of Social Development LifeLine Zululand renders psycho social support services at this police station. Preventative activities include conducting awareness dialogues in surrounding communities on Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Gender based Violence and Human Trafficking. KwaMsane outreach (funded by RBCT & ad hoc funding) Due to the high incidence of sexual offences in KwaMsane (near Mtubatuba) we have had a trauma centre based at the KwaMsane police station near Mtubatuba for the past nine years. Solid partnerships have been formed with many local stakeholders and our relationship with the South African Police Services is exceptionally strong as we render support to both them and the community. Awareness talks and dialogues on many topics relating to behaviour change are conducted in all local schools and communities with a focus on rape, incest, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and HIV. Victim Empowerment Programme The largest Programme, services are available in three districts, providing psychosocial support and related services to the communities. Includes 2 White Door shelters in 2 districts & 2 crisis centres. Programme which focuses on Women Empowerment, and skills development. 6.2. HIV/AIDS Programmes (current) I. Sex workers programme. Currently as at May 2022, the Organisation received funding from Aids Foundation South Africa for the return of the Sex Workers Programme. The programme targets sex workers and their clients providing bio-medical support and services as well as linkages to a support structure and advocating for their rights. In addition, the programme makes provision for skills development for the sex workers should they wish to eventually leave the industry. II. NACOSA supported Programmes (current) a. Stepping Stones b. ImSafer and No means No These programmes are targeting young women and girls, promoting a better quality of life and addressing social ills such as prevention of GBV. The above empowerment sessions are facilitated to specific target age group 15-24 yrs, includes activities and tracking of HIV/AIDS adherence as well as addressing issues on GBV. 6.3. Community Wellness Community Wellness includes community dialogues, awareness & mentorship programmes, crisis intervention, psychosocial support & counselling, trauma support, suicide intervention, youth indabas, volunteers programme etc. A 24 hour trauma intervention service is available. LifeLine offers free telephone and face to face counselling, and trauma debriefing to members of the community. I. Mentorship Programme (Department of Social Development - CARA Funded) LifeLine Zululand mentored three community based organisation which are Nawezifunze, House of Grace and Siyathuthuka. The aim of the mentorship programme is to develop and ensure mentees are compliant as NGO’s by establishing good governance and improve accountability and transparency for reporting thus improving opportunities to receive funding. II. Cancer Support Group The organisation has been running a regular support group in partnership with Netcare The Bay Hospital since 2002/3, the Group was subsequently handed over to CANSA uThungulu as at March 2016. III. Young Women and Girls Programme (Cash + Care), (funded by Global though CINDI/ National Treasury initiative) The programme is a pilot project which promotes health seeking behaviour change for Young Women and Girls YWG). The PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS / PROGRAMMES Adult, young Women and Girls programme is aimed at YWG (ages 19-24) in the King Cetshwayo District targeting 9119 AYWG for the uMhlathuze district. The programmes include empowerment session designed to providing capacity building skills, information and links to resources to make informed lifestyle choices. IV. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV Programme funded by AFSA) The programme seeks to strengthen governments 90 90 90 strategy (NSP) and aims to improve and implement HIV prevention interventions targeting vulnerable populations. Community members can access free psychosocial support through the programme in various areas. The programme is currently initiated at the following areas: Melmoth, Nkandla, Kwambonambi, Ntambanana, Mtunzini and Esikhaleni. V. Stepping Stones Programme ( Funded by AFSA) The programme targets young women and men in the community. The programme also tracks HIV testing as well as provides workshops / session engaging in group work on life skills and HIV and AIDS. VI. Commercial Sex Workers Programme The key focus of the programme is Risk Reduction and Advocacy or Human Rights for sex workers (key population). LifeLine Zululand hosts regular workshops on Human Rights, HIV/AIDS, risk reduction, and etc. for the key population as well as supply information, conducts regular HIV testing and ensure adequate stock of condoms are made available to key population. 6.4. Community Programmes Sexual Reproductive Health The organisation is implementing a Sexual Reproductive Health Programme (SRH) at Nseleni and KwaDlangezwa. The programmes main focus is teenage pregnancy however cover a variety of topics including HIV/AIDS, Sugar Daddy, contraception and also provides support for teen parents. Life-Skills LifeLine Zululand assists with the Life Orientation curricula in many schools. Partnership programmes are also conducted with the Department of Education, Start for Life, Amangwe Village, DramAidE, SANCA, NICRO and SoulBuddyZ. Service Points Our service points are functional 5 full days per week, except for Thuthuzela Care Centre which operates 24/7, and their main objectives are to: • Render an accessible counselling, trauma and rape crisis service to the surrounding communities • Disseminate information on emotional wellness, gender-based / domestic violence, incest, abuse, substance abuse, rape, stress, trauma, suicide, depression, relationships, sexuality, my changing body, menstruation, teenage pregnancy, bereavement, HIV&AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, TB, stigma, human trafficking, human rights, etc • Empower communities through LifeLine skills and life skills training programmes and workshops • Encourage and set up support groups for those infected and affected by HIV&AIDS, cancer etc. • Offer a larger provision of services by creating platforms for other NPO’s to render services from • HIV&AIDS Counselling and Testing campaigns • Celebrate various national events / days with local communities 24/7 Services • Thuthuzela Care Centre (rape crisis) based at Ngwelezane Hospital near Empangeni • Trauma call out team - Richards Bay / Empangeni: 082 761 9111 • Crisis lines: Land Line 035 789-7788 National Maxicall 0861 322 322 Major Successes : • Reached its Milestone 36year as at 2023 (1987-2022) • The Chief Executive Officer, Bethel (Michelle) Jewlal, has achieved the following while at LifeLine Zululand o 2017 Winner, Zululand Regional Business Women’s Achiever Awards, Social category o University of Zululand Ethics Committee member - 2016 to date o ZWSSDF Forum - Treasurer - 2015 to date o LifeLine South Africa – Board Member, as a directors Representative 2019 to date. • Successfully hosted Youth Indaba 2018 & 2019 at Nseleni in support of SRH Programme. • 2021 and 2022 - Victim Empowerment Programme. Building Capacity of individuals that were once victims now turned survivors. A few individuals having grown and developed their own economic sustainability through this programme initiative. A total of 185 received training and more than 30 are actively supporting themselves, while others have found employment with their skills • Launched its new campaign in 2023 #WECARE4ME, to raise awareness on Mental and Emotional Wellness. • 2023 – the Organisation supported various court picketing – and including support for one male client in which the partner was not granted bail. • Launched the successful Thursdays in Black Campaign in 2014 in Richards Bay. • Partnered with the Department of Health, Department of Education, DramAidE supporting of Peer Education workshops in northern Zululand. • Provided Wellness Day services to with Mondi, Bell Equipment and other larger businesses in the area, achieving outstanding feedback and call backs for additional collaboration. • Thanks to our staff and volunteers we continue to maintain free 24hour trauma debriefing, counselling and rape crisis service within the three districts. • Community members come to us for general information or psychosocial support, the services now include professional social workers. • We are called regularly by businesses, schools & colleges to deliver talks on topics incl. emotional wellness, gender-based/domestic violence, incest, abuse, substance abuse, rape, stress, trauma, suicide, depression, relationships, sexuality, my changing body, menstruation, teenage pregnancy, bereavement, HIV&AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, TB, stigma, human trafficking, human rights. • LifeLine enjoys good relationships with all its partners, community leaders, municipalities and government departments and is a very active networking partner in all relevant networks. • Our volunteers receive ongoing training both from LifeLine and other NPO’s • Together with communities we have held successful events e.g. 16 days of Activism, World Aids Day, Youth Day, Elder abuse day, as well as HCT campaigns. • The organisation developed an information booklet with support from the Zululand Observer, and Mondi, on Sexual Offences for the uMhlathuze area which is distributed to schools, churches, businesses, hospitals etc. • The organisation managed to secure funding of 7 x park-homes from South 32 to function as Victim Friendly Rooms in 3 x Districts. 7. Current Challenges/ Needs/ Wish List: • Obtaining funding for marketing campaigns such as Gender Based Violence activities, suicide prevention initiatives and hosting community dialogues. • Support is required for staff uniforms for summer and winter as these items are not fully supported by funders or donors, however provide a professional presentation of individuals which has help build the brand of LifeLine Zululand as being a professional and responsible Non - Profit Organisation of choice these days. • The Organisation since 2014 has grown substantially from a small organisation of under 50 employees to the current 180 employees plus 50 interns from Wits Health Consortium. Therefore, renovations to the current office (home) is desperately needed to accommodate the growing number of projects and staff. • The Organisation vehicles: 2000 model Toyota Corolla x1 the only vehicles owned by the Organisation. The average kilometres travelled per month exceeds a total of 21336km, in addition, the cost of the hired vehicles from AVIS averages between 50k-80k (thousand rand) per month and averages around 6600km per month. The Organisation is seeking for donations and supporters to come on board in the search to secure new and updated vehicles to continue to service the beneficiaries. • Indaba’s especially men and boys sporting events, dialogues and Imbizos the organisation is constantly on the lookout for sponsors and partners to ensure these events don’t die off but continue from strength to strength. • Turnover of volunteers is always high unless one can pay stipends and/or transport costs, retention of volunteer may improve. • Operating costs for core business activities (business) meetings, director’s conference, annual general meeting, strategic planning, staff wellness and motivation, overhead costs and incentive, benefits, staff uniforms, perks for employees e.g. medical, pension or travel are not available freely from donors or funders suitable support is an ongoing search. • Repairs, maintenance and up keep of the donated house by Operation Jump Start we call home is estimated average at R50 000 (fifty thousand) per year. • House renovations to join the two existing dwellings with new roofing and additions as per approved plans is estimated at R700 000 is being sought from willing donors / sponsors. In an ideal situation the Organisation is seeking to purchase its own premises in the future, willing and able donors are welcomed to engage further. • From the period of the covid19 pandemic and beyond, the organisation has been in a desperate need for vehicles as work load intensified and the need for psychosocial increased. The vast area covered the travel is time consumed by public transport travel. • Investment funding to support and initiate sustainability arm for the organisation and drive a self- sustainability model for social entrepreneurship is also on the strategic plan and focus Yours in Community Service,