WELFARE
By Chandra Gajjar

For a small town, Grahamstown has a big heart which is reflected in the network of support woven by the welfare organizations and large number of volunteers who join hands to meet the challenges of socio economic problems. Volunteers are largely drawn from the affected communities, thus ensuring a high degree of efficacy. The perennial Achilles heel of any welfare project is that of the requisite fiscal demands but the Grahamstonian commitment to combating social problems is high.
  There are comprehensive child & family welfare services, protection and support for the victims of domestic violence, relationship counselling, a hospice service for the terminally ill and their families as well as services for the mentally and physically challenged. The Grahamstown Social Workers’ Forum ensures that the limited services are utilized to best advantage by providing information and support for the various welfare originations.
  A 24-hour call-out welfare service has recently been established and there are plans for a one-stop trauma unit.