Our Story
• MEN'S PROGRAMME
Over the last few years we have become aware of the very specific needs there are amongst men in the community. The changing socio-economic situation has placed men in a situation of higher demands and expectations, which often cannot be reached. This impacts negatively on relationships in the family and at work. As part of this programme we assist the Department of Correctional Services in Knysna by providing a rehabilitation programme at the prison on a weekly basis as well as a special programme to parolees. Many of the inmates and parolees come from the Plettenberg Bay area. The programme takes the form of workshops (Communication Skills, Anger Management, Conflict Management, Relationships, Self-image, Personal Growth, etc.) and individual counselling. We are also involved in ensuring successful re-integration into society of released inmates. The relevant personnel have access to our services and support when necessary.
• WOW (WOMEN OF WORTH) PROGRAMME
The WOW programme focuses on the high rate of domestic violence and child abuse that result in the breakdown of families, poor school performance, mental disorders, illness and substance abuse. Women affected by these circumstances are encouraged to join support groups so as to empower them to take control and improve their circumstances. Victims are often afraid of the possible consequences of “publicly” admitting that they have domestic problems and are therefore reluctant to join the support groups. As part of their empowerment and rehabilitation they are encouraged to join community projects that have the added value of skills development and income generation.
• Training
In the past most of the training that the organisation provided was for the employees and volunteers involved with FAMSA in order to keep them updated with relevant skills so as to provide professional services. We, however, found that members of the community have benefited greatly from attending our courses and we therefore also focus on the personal growth topics. Some of our courses are also presented to common interest groups, support groups, members of the public and other organisations. The topics include: • Basic and advanced counselling • Marital and divorce counselling • Personal growth and assertiveness management • Grief counselling • Trauma counselling • Cross cultural counselling • Domestic violence • Victim Support training We have also developed a strong focus on presenting Parenting workshops. We feel that the best way we can assist our children and youth is to assist and support the parents.
• Community Development
FAMSA works with communities and assists them to address their particular needs through: • Domestic violence eradication and victim empowerment projects • Women and men upliftment initiatives • Setting up of community projects
• Counselling
FAMSA specialises in counselling services, which cater for individuals, couples, families and groups. The counselling involves marriage preparation, marital and divorce, relationship, grief and trauma, anger and conflict management and personal development. Our doors are open for counselling from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm and Fridays from 8am to 1pm. We have committed counsellors and professional supervisors most of whom are volunteers.
