Contact Family Counselling Center

30/09/2025

Substance and Alcohol abuse in children: What you need to know

Substance abuse refers to the use of drugs or other substances in a way that's harmful or unhealthy. This can include illegal drugs, prescription medications used incorrectly, or other substances that can affect our minds and bodies.
Alcohol abuse is when someone drinks alcohol in a way that's harmful to themselves or others. While some people can drink alcohol responsibly, it's especially important for kids and teens to avoid it because their brains and bodies are still growing.

Causes of substance and alcohol abuse
-Peer pressure: friends might encourage you to try substances or alcohol.
-Some children turn to substance and alcohol abuse to cope with stress, anxiety and sadness.
-Curiosity about substances and alcohol and end up trying them.
-Children growing up in an environment or home where substances and alcohol are used.

Effects of Substance and Alcohol Abuse
- can lead to serious health problems, including addiction, which is when someone can't stop using a substance even if it's causing harm.
- can affect brain development and make it harder to learn and remember things.
- Being under the influence of substances or alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents or dangerous situations.

What to do
- Understand the risks associated with substance and alcohol use and stay away from harmful substances.
- You are in Control- Say NO to substances and alcohol, especially if you are below the age of 18 years.
-Choose and occupy yourself with activities that are fun and safe.
- Learn healthy ways to manage emotions, for instance talking to someone you trust if you are struggling with something or feeling pressured. Don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, caregiver, teacher, or a counsellor.

To Talk to a Counsellor at CONTACT: NetOne Toll-free helpline 08010186-7

Call now to connect with business.

25/09/2025

3 DAY TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH AND BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

Date: 29 - 31 October 2025
Time: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Venue CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; training manual and certificate)

REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS

Topics covered include;
§ Overview of Mental Health
§ Mental Health emerging issues
§ Overview of Counselling
§ Counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
§ Attributes of a Counsellor
§ Counselling process
§ Grief and Bereavement counselling
§ Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
§ Communication with children and Adolescents
§ Practical exercises
§ Stress Management
§ Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.

Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and
Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human
Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students,
Community workers and many more.

For more details contact
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator
CONTACT Family Counselling Centre (NGO)
9 Barbour Avenue
Parkview
Bulawayo
0789 456 400/0778 892 464 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

15/07/2025

3 DAY TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH AND BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

Date: 06 - 08 August 2025
Time: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Venue: MOPSE Board Room Mtshabezi Building
Fee: USD 50.00 (covers; training manual and certificate)

REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS

Topics covered include;
 Overview of Mental Health
 Mental Health emerging issues
 Overview of Counselling
 Counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
 Attributes of a Counsellor
 Counselling process
 Grief and Bereavement counselling
 Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
 Communication with children and Adolescents
 Practical exercises
 Stress Management
 Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.

Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students, Community workers and many more.

For more details contact
Dumisani Ndlovu or Indra Nkomo 0772 677 251
Training Coordinator
CONTACT Family Counselling Centre (NGO)
9 Barbour Avenue
Parkview
Bulawayo
0789 456 400/0778 892 464 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

07/07/2025

3 DAY TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH AND BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS

Date: 30, 31 July– 01 August 2025
Time: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Venue CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; training manual and certificate)

REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS

Topics covered include;
§ Overview of Mental Health
§ Mental Health emerging issues
§ Overview of Counselling
§ Counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
§ Attributes of a Counsellor
§ Counselling process
§ Grief and Bereavement counselling
§ Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
§ Communication with children and Adolescents
§ Practical exercises
§ Stress Management
§ Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.

Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and
Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human
Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students,
Community workers and many more.

For more details contact
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator
CONTACT Family Counselling Centre (NGO)
9 Barbour Avenue
Parkview
Bulawayo
0789 456 400/0778 892 464 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

27/05/2025

3 DAY TRAINING ON MENTAL HEALTH AND BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS
Date: 18 – 20 June 2025
Time: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Venue CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; training manual and certificate)
REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS
Topics covered include;
ß Overview of Mental Health
ß Mental Health emerging issues
ß Overview of Counselling
ß Counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
ß Attributes of a Counsellor
ß Counselling process
ß Grief and Bereavement counselling
ß Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
ß Communication with children and Adolescents
ß Practical exercises
ß Stress Management
ß Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.
Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and
Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human
ResourcesManagers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students,
Community workers and many more.
For more details contact
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator
CONTACT Family Counselling Centre (NGO)
9 Barbour Avenue
Parkview
Bulawayo
0789 456 400/0778 892 464 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

08/01/2025

CONTACT F.C.C IS OFFERING A SHORT PRACTICAL COURSE
3 Day Training on Mental Health and Basic Counselling Skills
Date: 29 – 31 January 2025
Time: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm daily
Venue: CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; facilitation fees, training manuals and certification)
REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS
Topics covered include;
ß Definition and discussion of Mental Health
ß Mental Health Illness
ß Mental Health Awareness
ß Definition and overview of counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
ß Attributes of a Counsellor
ß Counselling process
ß Grief and Bereavement counselling
ß Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
ß Communication with children and Adolescents (practical exercises included)
ß Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.
Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and
Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human
Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students,
Community workers and many more.
For more details contact,
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator on:
0789 456 400 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

05/12/2024

From Stressed to Empowered: Tips for Children to Manage Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to challenges or overwhelming situations coming from the environment like family, home, community, church and school.
It’s a normal part of life to sometimes feel stressed. What matters is how you handle it.
Some causes of Stress in children
Family changes: Divorce between parents, separation of parents, movement to a new neighbourhood or school, own or family member’s illness, family financial difficulties.
School related challenges: Difficulty with school work, fear of not meeting academic expectations, bullying, tests, homework.
Social challenges: Friendship problems, peer pressure, failure to fit in or meet social expectations from peers.
External pressures: changes in routine, expectations from parents.
Tips for Children: Stress Management
1. Talk It Out
When you feel stressed and can’t handle it, it’s okay to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust about what’s making you feel stressed as this can make you feel better. You can share with a professional counsellor, parent, sibling, friend, teacher, pastor, neighbour, Child Care Workers (CCWs), Child Protection Committees (CPCs) etc.
2. Occupy yourself with something you enjoy
Doing something fun can be one of the ways to relax. This can help you take your mind off stress and make you view life with fun. You can spend some time with your friends, play games, play sports, listen to music, dancing, read books, draw, ride on a bike, take a walk etc.
3. Stay organised
Sometimes you experience feelings of stress due to pressure from a lot of tasks, and not sure of where to start. You can take a break for a few minutes, giving your brain some rest. Also, you can plan and create a schedule that can help you to be able to manage your tasks better.

COUNSELLING TOLLFREE HELPLINES:
08688008041 (Landline ONLY) OR 08010187 (NetOne ONLY)
Android Application: CONTACT Child Friendly Space

19/11/2024

03/10/2024

CONTACT F.C.C IS OFFERING A SHORT PRACTICAL COURSE
3 Day Training on Mental Health and Basic Counselling Skills

Date: 23 – 25 October 2024
Time: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm daily
Venue CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; training venue, facilitation fees, training manuals, certification and teas)

REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS

Topics covered include;
 Definition and discussion of Mental Health
 Mental Health Illness
 Mental Health Awareness
 Definition and overview of counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
 Attributes of a Counsellor
 Counselling process
 Grief and Bereavement counselling
 Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
 Communication with children and Adolescents (practical exercises included)
 Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.

Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students, Community workers and many more.

For more details contact,
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator on:
0789 456 400 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

30/09/2024

The truth about Counselling: Demystifying myths about seeking counselling services for mental health care.
Myth 1: Seeking Counselling is a sign of weakness
Reality: Seeking help takes courage (taking action) and is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Recognizing when you need support and taking steps to address it is a powerful act of self-care with regards to improving your life and mental health. It shows a willingness to grow and address challenges.
Myth 2: Only crazy, mad people and emotionally weak people go to therapy
Reality: Mental health care is for everyone regardless of their mental health status. Just like physical health, mental health should be prioritized, and seeking helps one to maintain mental wellness, address challenges, and enhance self-awareness.
Myth 3: Counselling is only for severe emotional problems
Reality: Counselling is beneficial for a wide range of issues, from everyday stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties to personal growth and self-exploration. Many people seek therapy simply to enhance their well-being and prevent more severe issues from developing.
Apart from getting help in dealing with emotional problems, counselling can also help with the following:
• Grief
• Struggles with self esteem
• Life transitions
• Academic problems
• Challenges in balancing school, work, family and other responsibilities.
Myth 4: Counsellors will tell you what to do in order to solve your problem
Reality: A good counsellor does not dictate solutions to your challenges but provides support and guidance to address them. It takes time, effort, and commitment from both you and your counsellor. A counsellor helps you explore your feelings, thoughts and concerns, empowering you to make your own decisions. Your effort and commitment is required to make change.
Myth 5: When I go for counselling, everyone will know about my issues.
Reality: What you discuss with your counsellor is confidential. The contents of the counselling session are subject to strict legal and ethical standards of privacy and confidentiality, thus a counsellor is bound by state law and professional ethics. The counsellor will not release any personal information to anyone without your permission.

23/07/2024

CONTACT F.C.C IS OFFERING A SHORT PRACTICAL COURSE
3 Day Training on Mental Health and Basic Counselling Skills

Date: 21 – 23 August 2024
Time: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm daily
Venue CONTACT F.C.C Offices
Fee: USD 45.00 (covers; training venue, facilitation fees, training manuals, certification and teas)

REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS

Topics covered include;
 Definition and discussion of Mental Health
 Mental Health Illness
 Mental Health Awareness
 Definition and overview of counselling Theories (with a bias towards systems Theory)
 Attributes of a Counsellor
 Counselling process
 Grief and Bereavement counselling
 Drug and substance abuse counselling issues
 Communication with children and Adolescents (practical exercises included)
 Other counselling issues raised during training e.g.; marital conflicts, su***de ideation etc.

Program is open to everyone who is interested including: Healthcare providers, Religious leaders and Church Counsellors, Trained Counsellors wishing to further their practical skills, Teachers, Human Resources Managers/Project Leaders, Lay Counsellors, Parents, College/University students, Community workers and many more.

For more details contact,
Dumisani Ndlovu
Training Coordinator on:
0789 456 400 (Call/WhatsApp)
0292 272400 (Landline)

28/06/2024

Mental Health in Children
Mental health in children is very crucial for their overall well-being and this includes their emotional, psychological and social development.
Characteristics of good mental health in children
• Healthy relationships
• Effective communication
• Ability to regulate emotions
• Ability to solve problems
• Positive self-image
• Resilience and positive coping skills
Signs of good mental health in children
• Active participation during play and in other activities.
• Ability to express and regulate emotions.
• Have confidence and self-esteem.
• Shows empathy and understands others.
• Ability to solve problems and manage anxiety.
What to keep track of, if concerned about your child’s mental health
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping patterns
• Changes in behaviour or moods
• Concentration levels
• Level of engagements in activities
What to do if your child is facing mental health challenges;
• Encourage and maintain open and supportive communication.
• Listen to his/her concerns without judgement and offer guidance.
• Seek professional help
• Offer support during the challenging times, thereby helping them understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.