Our Clients

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. It does not discriminate and it is pervasive throughout the world.

Effects of trauma can include a variety of responses, such as intense and ongoing emotional upset, anxiety, depression, behavioural changes, difficulties with self-regulation, problems relating to others or forming attachments, regression or loss of previously acquired skills, attention and academic difficulties, nightmares, difficulty sleeping and eating, and physical symptoms, such as aches and pains. Older children may use drugs or alcohol, behave in risky ways, or engage in unhealthy sexual activity.

In South Africa, 62% of children are hurt by the negative impact of poverty (88% in rural areas) and 60% of children need wellbeing support. This is especially concerning as 50% of life-long mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and disruptive behaviours, begin by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24.

Trauma is a barrier to learning and academic achievement.  Trauma is also a barrier to getting and keeping a job.