The Axford Substance Abuse Centre, based at the Baptist Church in Bonteheuwel, started more than two years ago as a small group of volunteers with no training and experience. Now their hard work has been recognised by mayor Dan Plato.
Axford chairman Maldeen Solomon said they were thrilled to receive the Mayoral Community Service Award for “safety development and awareness”.
“Sometimes you think your work is in vain, but then you get a positive like this. We were always motivated as a group to make a difference. We also encourage one another if we feel weary. Apart from our awareness and counselling, we also feed 1 000 people a week. Our feeding programme is a great platform to reach out to people who need help with substance abuse as well,” Mr Solomon said.
The group attended workshops and received training from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.