Trauma counselling helpline - a new addition in medical benefits

The importance of adequate and professional trauma counselling for South Africans today should not be underestimated.

The rise in violent crime has left many people shocked and angry and needing assistance to get their lives back on track after an incident. Fedhealth, the country’s fourth largest open scheme, has recognised the importance of offering this service to its members and their dependants and introduced a complementary Trauma Management Programme earlier this year. The programme is designed and managed by ICAS (Independent Counselling and Advisory Services) and designed to assist individuals and families in normalising and processing a traumatic experience.

It assists the victims of robbery, assault, hijacking, family violence, rape, bereavement, road accidents and the like and is also available to all members and their dependants who simply need support.

“We felt it was our responsibility to connect with our members and their dependants in their hour of need. We have seen a growing interest in the programme from our members over the first six months of it being operational and we are pleased we can offer this service,” said Peter Jordaan, Principal Officer of Fedhealth.

The programme incorporates professional assessment, intervention and consultancy and includes:

* Trauma defusing services aimed at assisting members in managing the immediate practical aspects of recovery by co-ordinating emergency services, providing physical necessities and generally just helping the victim to feel safe and comfortable.

* Psychological first aid services aimed at assisting members in reducing the initial distress and being able to effectively manage any emotional reactions in the immediate aftermath of a trauma.

* Follow up trauma counselling which happens 48 to 72 hours after the traumatic incident. This is designed to help survivors deal with the uncomfortable and often painful feelings that surface.

Of the people who have used the programme to date, three quarters have been members with the rest dependants. Sixty-nine percent have been female with the highest number of people being in the 51- 60 age group. “The majority of trauma cases relate to armed robbery and the greatest benefit is the opportunity to help diffuse the emotional trauma there and then without having to wait for outside counselling,” says Jordaan.

Fedhealth encourages all its members to make use of this service by phoning the toll-free, 24/7 helpline, available 365 days a year.