FAMSA Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Enhancing relationships, emotional and mental well-being through counselling, training and community workshops

FAMSA Knysna & Plettenberg Bay has a legacy of providing services to the Garden Route area since 1988 and reaching and enriching many individuals, families and communities by a qualified team of staff and volunteers. Rev James van Heerden, Founding member, says he first approached Marna Kleynhans who was the director of FAMSA in George in 1988 and started seeing referred clients in an unofficial capacity. Having completed the UNISA MGC course in 1989 and FAMSA block 1 & 2 in 1990, he officially registered as a FAMSA counsellor in 1991 and together with Liz Tait (Social Worker) began operating as FAMSA in Knysna.

FAMSA Knysna is a Non-Profit Organisation and is affiliated to the FAMSA national Movement. We are one of many affiliates. FAMSA Knysna is responsible for generating its own funding. This is our biggest challenge to be able to continue with the essential services.

Mission

To support individuals, families, organisations, communities, and society to BUILD, RESTORE, and SUSTAIN functional relationships.

Values

Be Accessible to all people and communities
Be Accountable
Be mindful of Basic Human Rights
Maintain Confidentiality
Have a Non-judgemental attitude
Have respect for others and their right to self-determination
To provide services of Quality and excellence

Our Services Include

Counselling for individuals, couples, families and groups
Trauma support
Victim Empowerment Programme : offering therapeutic services to adult victims of GBV, crime and violence
Community workshops: Parenting and Fatherhood training and support
Employee Wellness Programmes for corporates - assisting employees to manage demands of work and private life impacting on work performance and well-being
Training for counselling professionals
Training for community members who work with people or for self development

Feedback From Happy Clients

“Thank you for the kind and efficient service you have given us. There is a vast difference in how my granddaughter carries and expresses herself and how we manage challenges. Please continue with the wonderful, professional support and care you give.”

“Service is amazing thank you”

“Stay as great as you are!!”

“The people at FAMSA helped me through a very difficult time – forever grateful for their compassion and support.”

“It’s perfect as it is! So grateful to have had the opportunity for help.”

Workshops

FAMSA’s community workshops provide practical skills development and support for individuals and families. Our workshops cover a range of topics such as parenting, communication skills, and stress management.

We also provide specialised group workshops: parenting groups, caring for carers, and RISE support groups for adults exposed to violence.

“A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth a month’s study of books” – Chinese Proverb.

Training

FAMSA offers training and development programs for professionals such as counsellors, social workers, and educators.

Our training programs are designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as couple and family counselling, trauma support, and child and youth development.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” – John Dewey.

Counselling

Talk to a skilled listener, you deserve the best listener during a difficult time. Allow your “FINE” to be “FINER”.

FAMSA offers confidential counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in Knysna, Sedgefield, and Plettenberg Bay.

Our experienced and qualified counselors provide a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and develop effective coping strategies.

Cost of sessions: Times are tough for ALL and FAMSA requests clients to kindly pay for services rendered according to a sliding scale of income. This ensures that ongoing running costs are maintained and that FAMSA can continue services to the community. Should clients be unable to pay this, they should discuss this with FAMSA.

FAMSA… like the aunty across the street

Victim Empowerment

FAMSA’s victim empowerment program provides psycho-social therapeutic support services to individuals, and their support system, who have experienced Gender-Based Violence (domestic violence/sexual assault and other forms of abuse) or have been a victim of crime and violence.

FAMSA also works closely with SAPS, Department of Health and Armed Response Units.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou.

Trauma Support

FAMSA provides trauma support services to individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as physical or sexual assault, accidents, or natural disasters.

Our trauma support services include crisis intervention, counselling, and practical support to help clients cope with the aftermath of traumatic events.

“You are not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth.” – Alex Elle.

Volunteer

At FAMSA Knysna & Plettenberg Bay, volunteers are an integral part of our team. We welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference and are committed to our mission of building, restoring, and sustaining functional relationships. Our volunteers play a crucial role in providing counseling, support, and education to those in need, as well as helping with fundraising, events, and other activities.

Volunteering with FAMSA is a great way to gain experience in counseling, community outreach, and social work, while also making a positive impact on the lives of others.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

Benefits Of Your Financial Support

A client leaves their counseling session as a person of worth
A client empowered to face their challenges with an improved mental space
Parents are better equipped to deal with their parenting challenges
Men are better equipped to deal with the challenges of being fathers and mentors
Someone will find healing after trauma
Someone will find freedom from an abusive relationship
A child will gain parents who will nurture them
You can request a Section 18A certificate for tax relief benefits
BB-BEE points can be earned by your donation.

Please Donate

FAMSA is a non-profit organization and relies on the support of the community to continue providing vital services. Your donation can help us make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.