Addicts and victims of gender-based violence find a haven for healing and recovery at Leslie House.
Situated in Glenhaven in Bellville, the safe house provides sober and safe living for women in Cape Town.
As a partner to the Brackenfell Police Station, many victims referred here to police could start the journey to rebuilding their lives, thanks to Cape Town NGO the Enez Foundation that manages the house.
During June Brackenfell police did a food drive to assist the foundation. Non-perishable food was donated by Brackenfell Primary, Protea Heights Academy, CMAX Security and Giant Hyper, which was handed over to Shanet Regal of the Enez Foundation on Friday.
“Our mandate is to focus on the whole family system where addiction is involved. We specialise in family interventions and provide counselling to the addict and family members,” says Regal who is also a volunteer victim support counsellor.
According to her addiction oftentimes branches out to domestic violence.
“Also in these cases the safe house provides a safe space for women on the short or long term,” she says.
The house runs a daily programme that covers cognative behavioural therapy, spirituality, childhood trauma, life skills and the 12-step programme is covered.
“We want to teach addicts and victims how to change their thinking and behavioural patterns,” says Regal and adds that the foundation has many happy success stories.
“Many addicts have been reintegrated with their families. They have found jobs, completed their matric and even started additional online studies. We assist our residents with setting up CVs and the job hunt.”
Lt Col Patrick Jacobs, head of visible policing in Brackenfell, says the foundation is always prepared to assist Brackenfell victim support unit with emergency shelter and counselling for addicts and their families.
“This project was a small token of appreciation for their selfless dedication to those in need of care and protection,” he says.
