Continuing our series of articles from our Annual Report 2016, which outline here our current work on the AERG Legal and Counselling Helpline.

The helpline was established to fill the gap in support for young survivors with legal and mental health challenges, so that they can access support regardless of where they are located. As of the end of 2016, the project has supported 866 youth with legal issues, and has resolved 342 of the cases. The value of the resolved cases across the country is estimated to be $670,390. In addition, the helpline has provided counselling to 201 youth.

The helpline was launched with the intention of primarily providing telephone-based support. However, since its establishment in August 2013, the helpline has grown from a small pilot telephone-based service to an innovative, all-encompassing legal and counselling support service. By providing legal and counselling support services countrywide, the helpline has filled a necessary gap in support for vulnerable young survivors with outstanding legal disputes or suffering from trauma.

This is one of the only free and accessible services for young survivors incapable of affording to take their legal cases to court or lacking the confidence or ability to find someone to talk to about a mental health issue. In addition to providing telephone-based support, the helpline also has field staff who provide support to clients through legal education and orientation, advocacy and representation in court.

The helpline has been made possible through the support of a number of donors, but of particular note is the support of INSPIRE!africa which continues to make possible the work.