Lifeline for those affected by drugs
Organisation wants to create network of support for users and their families.
Recovery coach Jan Vermeulen is one of the many volunteers who makes the West Rand Supporting of Substance abusers (SOS) a huge success.
This organisation consists only of volunteers and charges no fees for their services. It is part of a growing network that aims to support substance abusers and their families and friends.
Vermeulen rattles of the disturbing facts relating to drug abuse in South Africa.
“Approximately 15 per cent of all South Africans struggle with some form of substance abuse. If you look at rehabilitation programmes, success rates are pegged at a mere three to five per cent,” says Vermeulen.
“In a 2009 United Nations report our drug abuse were twice the norm worldwide, and that is only what we know about. South Africa is regarded as one of the drug capitals of the world. The problem is costing the country R20 billion per year,” he says.
Vermeulen says that SOS West Rand, which he joined approximately three years ago, has been working tirelessly for the past seven years to meet the need in a country where 60 per cent of households are affected with very little assistance.
Vermeulen explains how it works.
“Every Monday night at the Simfonie AGS church in Witpoortjie there are two groups that gather from 6pm until 9pm. One group is for families and friends and the other for users. We also have one-on-one recovery sessions on a Tuesday night at the same time for users and those who recently came clean,” says Vermeulen.
SOS also runs various courses dealing with related topics throughout the year.
Once an addict is clean he/ she has the option to live on the Legae La Nnete (Xhosa for ‘a real home’) Halfway House in Muldersdrift. This establishment is run by husband Gordon and wife Macelle Dewar. It provides accommodation at a nominal rate and the addict slowly is reintegrated into society, equipped with the necessary life skills. Residents farm organic vegetables, make blankets and sell water tanks to provide funding for the project.
Simfonie AGS Witpoortjie is situated at the corner of Trezona and Jan van Rooyen Avenues.
Vermeulen can be contacted on 082 777 3573 or at Jan.Vermeulen@JSVConsult.co.za.
The SOS website is www.sosministries.co.za.
For General enquiries call 082 074 5835.
Gordon Dewar of Legae La Nnete Halfway House can be contacted on 082 074 5835.
Simfonie AGS Office can be reached on 011 955 4058 or 079 205 6484.
