Counselling, Referral and Advocacy: Reaching the Most Vulnerable

We provide direct counselling and case management services for over 3,000 vulnerable children and 600 adult community members per year who are in crisis due to HIV/AIDS, rape or abuse. Mpilo-Lwazi counsellors provide immediate, on-site counselling services in our 22 child-friendly counselling centres. Counselling clients present with issues ranging from coping with the loss of a family member to AIDS, to recovering from violent sexual assault, to rebuilding shattered self-esteem. Counsellors establish a comprehensive service plan with each client, including a set of emotional and life goals and referrals to partner organizations providing complementary services. Each client and their family receive case management services to achieve the plan, including ongoing counselling and assistance and advocacy in accessing resources and referrals. Ubuntu's program marks the first time that counselling services are accessible and responsive to the needs of children, youth and adults in townships of Port Elizabeth. We have established strong partnerships with legal and health providers and police units to prosecute cases of rape and child abuse, access crisis ARV therapy for rape victims to prevent HIV infection, and ensure safe living environments for affected children and women.