Our Councellors

Gratitude to our Counsellors
LifeLine Ekurhuleni would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteer counsellors (Telephone, Outreach, Duduza, Ikhaya Lethemba and Victim Support).  Without each of you and your contribution to LifeLine Ekurhuleni we would not be able to operate our services and provide such a valuable contribution to the Ekurhuleni community.  You each bring your passion, time and support to the tasks you fulfil and for that LifeLine Management, Staff and Ekurhuleni community members are grateful!

Meet our Counsellors
24Hour Crisis Line Volunteers
“What is it like to be a counsellor?  It is very, very special.  It’s exhilarating and incredibly moving to be there to talk to someone in distress who needs a non judgmental and empathetic person to talk to.  It can be challenging and scary at times but the feel-good factor is immense, there can be only a tiny number of functions that have this level of task satisfaction.”
Ed – Chairman of LifeLine Ekurhuleni – 2009/2011

“I am a LifeLine Ekurhuleni volunteer, which makes me feel very privileged and humble, when people share their stories with me.”
Colleen – 24 Hour Crisis Line Volunteer

“Being a volunteer for LifeLine has been an enriching experience – I feel I’ve received more than I’ve given over the years.  I’m thankful to all the callers for what they’ve taught me about life.  I’m also thankful for the good friends I’ve made at LifeLine.”
Rob – 24 Hour Crisis Line Volunteer – 20 years of Dedication to LifeLine Ekurhuleni.

“In this dry, cruel world LifeLine stands out as a refuge.  A place where for a moment I can lay my burdens down and rest awhile.  Leaning for support on the compassionate, listing, non-judgemental, understanding heart of fellow LifeLiners.  And then to stand up again feeling refreshed, filled with a sense that the world and life have seemingly endless opportunities, and the knowledge that I can face another day.”
Roberta – 24 Hour Crisis Line Volunteer – 10 years of Dedication to LifeLine Ekurhuleni.

Peer Mentorship Volunteers

“It’s that time where we hate to take separate ways.  For me this time is hard as I know I have to go.  I am glad that I have other opportunities ahead of me.  At the same time I’m sad that I will be leaving you behind, the people who welcomed me with warm hands and held me in their arms as I’m the youngest at IKhaya Lokhuselo.  – “just kidding”.

You are special and will always be.  It was my first time in a workplace but you made me feel at home there were no difficulties.  I use to hear people saying all bad things about workplace, their collegues, bosses etc, but you proved it all wrong.  Whenever I would prepare to go on duty, I would smile because to me it was like I’m going to me second home to meet with my second family.

I so hope where I’m going they can just be as nice and good as you.  And to all those who will be leaving, I’m saying don’t let your heart faint, I’m sure God is preparing something much greater than this.  Remember when one door closes a window opens and indeed other opportunities will come, it might not be today but eventually they will, at the right time.  Just persevere, have faith and surrender to God.

You will be deeply missed.  Wish you all the best and may God Bless.
Love all
From Vangile
Peer Mentorship Programme – LifeLine Ekurhuleni.

Victim Support Volunteers

Some words of thanks for the supervision and training LifeLine has provided:
“Most caring people, from diverse personalities, that have taught me a lot and have learned a lot from them.”
Victim Support Volunteer – Based in Springs.

“They have provided skills and they empowered us a lot”
Victim Support Volunteer – Based in Tsakane

“Improved our skills and have provided knowledge to us.  I have gained a lot through them and have provided growth for us”
Victim Support Volunteer – Based in Dawn Park

“LifeLine develops oneself and the community.  LifeLine offers warmth, care, support, knowledge and opportunities.”
Victim Support Volunteer – Based in Daveyton

Poem by LifeLine Volunteer:

Brand New
You asked me who I was
I said I am a person
You asked me about this person
I told you that I was full
Little did I know I was incomplete and a fool.

Then on the next day
You ask me to go back,
Back where I had closed
I went there
You asked me what I found
It was showing the little me
The joyful, care free and immature me

Suddenly a dark cloud arrived
A cloud of fear with rain drops of anger,
Tragedies, sorrow, hate, lack of love.
That cloud threw a huge rain of obstacles
And a thunderstorm of abuse
I felt the atmosphere changing
So bad and so horrifying I wanted to….

You asked me on the next day again
To let go and to forgive
Healing my wounds which I never thought would hurt
I did that, I healed and learnt to be a better person

Today you asked me who I am
Now I stand tall, confident
I recognise that I have feelings and I understand them
That the hurt inflicted in me, I have caused to others
I have reached that line of life that gave me
Assurance of the true self of me