A Heideveld support group for families of addicts held a wellness day, on Thursday February 29, for all those who attend its meetings.
Hope Out Loud is a ministry of The Father’s House church. It was started by congregation member Ursula February and launched in September last year. The support group meets once a week.
“For the month of February, we focused on how to love yourself and the addict,” said Ms February.
The support group started with one person and has since grown to 20 people weekly, according to Ms February.
“Our best success stories are seeing how strong the families have become to handle their loved ones who are suffering from addictions of any kind. Today we just wanted to spoil them a little, so we treated them to some sweet treats, foot massages and hand treatments,” she said.
Nuraan Dollie, who took part in the wellness day, said: “Coming here eases my mind, and it helps me to relax.”
Another member, Rosewin Shirto, said many support programmes focused on the addict but not on the families of addicts.
“When one thinks of an addict, we tend to think only about the negative stuff. Hope Out Loud taught me how to deal with an addict in a loving way. If you show love, they will also give you love. What I’ve also found is that often the person caring for the addict does not take care of themselves, and self-care is important. This support group is very beneficial and eye-opening,”
Starting today, Wednesday March 6, Hope Out Loud, in collaboration with Lofdal International, will hold a series of daily programmes until Sunday March 10. All are welcome. Contact Ms February at 076 154 4759 for more information.