Living Hope's substance abuse recovery programme offers a three-phase approach, allowing participants to join at any time
Living Hope’s substance abuse recovery programme has reached more than 2 000 people in the past year, providing support groups, individual sessions, and meals to those in need, says the organisation.
The free eight-week outpatient programme has been running since 2010.
"We serve people from very disadvantaged backgrounds, those who are broken and wounded. The programme provides a safe space for them to learn about recovery and, for those who choose, about faith,” says programme manager Olivia Andries.
Over the past year, 2 091 individuals have participated in the three-phase programme through 705 support groups, 16 254 group sessions, and 373 individual counselling sessions, she says.
“The first phase is about relationship-building and encouraging people to attend support groups. After three weeks, they can move on to a more structured programme with individual counselling. We also do random drug testing so that clients can show their progress. After completing the programme, they enter an after-care phase with continued support.”
Graduates from the programme often return to tell their stories.
Among them is Nizaam Morgan, who says he struggled with addiction for 20 years before joining Living Hope in November last year.
“I’ve learned discipline and how to deal with difficult situations. Most of all, I’ve learned to respect myself and others. This programme has helped me to find my way again.”
Zizo Sotyantya says the programme helped her change her approach to life.
“I was an alcoholic for 26 years. I used to bury things and close myself off, but now I’ve learned to talk about my problems instead of running to alcohol. It has given me tools to face life head-on.”
The programme provides meals with breakfast, tea, lunch, and soup served daily. Local churches help by donating food.
“We are grateful for the support from donors and churches, which allows us to keep the programme free of charge. Many people wouldn’t have access to this kind of support otherwise,” says Ms Andries.
Once participants complete the programme, they can move on to a training initiative through U-Turn, getting work experience in laundries and shops.
It’s a crucial step in helping people rebuild their lives, says Ms Andries.
“We encourage people to come back after a year to share their experiences with those currently in the programme. It shows that recovery is possible.”