Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam says they are seeing a growing trend of people seeking counselling services.
Mr Morgam said through their 24-hour helpline, 5626, they found that the amount of people seeking counselling has been growing over the last two years.
“In 2021, we had received a total of 4072 calls and of that 795 needed counselling and 901 needed social work assistance,” he said.
“In 2022, we received a total of 4082 calls, counselling was 876 and social work was 601.
“This year in 2023, through our helpline, 5626, from January 1 to May 31, we received 1969 calls.
“Of that 566 was just for counselling and social work was 188.
“So the number is increasing.
“This is just within five months of this year and we are seeing a very worrying trend in the number of people seeking counselling services.”
He said while the trend was increasing, the NGO was prepared to offer assistance to those who needed it.
“Empower Pacific has been providing essential counselling, social work, training and community services throughout Fiji for the last 29 years.
“Our service provisions are professional counselling, therapeutic counselling services, social work interventions, case management in relation to gender based violence, child protection, mental health, are some of the core activities facilitated by Empower Pacific.
“In addition, we have a robust provision for psychological support services during natural disasters.
“The organisation also operates a 24/7 counselling help line that can be accessed by the public during time of need.”
