Finding Local Community Support

Most important right now: if you are in danger or thinking of ending your life, call SAPS on 10111 or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567. If not, choose one local place from this page and contact it today.

When life gets hard it is easy to feel you are the only one, and that nobody nearby can help. There is usually more help close to home than people know. The hard part is finding the first door.

What is happening

Support in South Africa often comes from a mix of places, not one service. Some are government, some are NGOs, and many are ordinary people who have been through the same thing.

• Clinics and community health centres: free primary care, and referral to mental health nurses, social workers and psychologists.
• Department of Social Development offices: social workers for family problems, abuse, food relief and grants.
• NGOs and support groups: for addiction, grief, abuse, disability, caregiving and more. Many meet at churches, halls or libraries.
• Faith communities: pastors, imams, priests and traditional leaders often know who is struggling and who can help.
• Community advice offices: free help with paperwork, grants and legal problems in many towns.
• Stokvels, burial societies and neighbours: for practical help and a sense of belonging.

You do not have to share everything to get help. You can start with one small need, like food, childcare or someone to talk to.

Signs to notice

• You have nobody to talk to about what you are going through.
• You have moved and do not know anyone nearby.
• You care for someone and feel you are doing it alone.
• You need practical help, like food, transport or paperwork.
• You avoid help because you fear gossip or judgement.
• You do not know what services exist in your area.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, or SAPS on 10111 if you are in danger.

• Are you in danger, or thinking of ending your life?
• Have you gone a week or more without a real conversation with anyone?
• Do you need help with food, money, housing or safety?
• Are you caring for someone without any help?
• Do you feel there is nobody you could call at night?
• Have you stopped going to places you used to, like church, sport or clubs?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now. Otherwise you have some support. Look after it and add one more connection this month.
2-3 yes: You could do with more people around you. Pick one place from this page and visit or call this week.
4 or more yes: Please get support now. Call the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 today to talk and find services near you. If you feel unsafe, call 0800 567 567.

What you can do next

• Today: Write down one need you have right now. Tell one person, or call the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 to ask where to start.
• This week: Visit your clinic, a social worker or a local NGO. Ask: "Who else in this area helps people with this?"
• This month: Try one group or activity, even if you only listen the first time. Save the names and numbers of people who helped.
• Worried about privacy? Ask how information is kept confidential before you share.
• Online groups can help too, but check they are safe and respectful.

Your tool

Social Support Needs Check - a few quick questions about who you have and what you need, giving you a short list of local support to try first.

When to get professional help

Reach out for professional help if loneliness is turning into hopelessness, if you are not coping with daily life, or if you are drinking or using to feel better.
Who can help: social worker, counsellor, shelter NGO, addiction service, Legal Aid SA

Getting help in South Africa

• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): counselling and help finding local services.
• SADAG Mental Health Line (011 234 4837, 08:00-20:00): support groups and referrals across South Africa.
• Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14, SMS 32312): local addiction support.
• Department of Social Development: social workers and referrals to NGOs.
• Legal Aid SA (legal-aid.co.za) and community advice offices: free legal and paperwork help.