KNYSNA NEWS - For residents with the time and commitment to support others, Famsa (Families South Africa) Knysna/Plettenberg Bay/Sedgefield is offering an opportunity to train as a volunteer counsellor through its upcoming counselling course.

Famsa, a long-established organisation working in family and community support, says the course is designed to equip volunteers with practical counselling skills while also supporting personal growth. 

The training is open to members of the public who are willing to dedicate time to learning and to serving individuals who face emotional and social challenges.

According to Famsa Knysna director Karin du Plessis, the programme focuses on building empathy, listening skills and confidence.

"Anyone with commitment, empathy and time can become a meaningful support to others," she said. "The course goes beyond theory and prepares volunteers to work with people in real-life situations."

The course combines theore-tical learning with supervised practical experience. Participants receive training in areas such as trauma support, communication skills, relationship counselling and crisis intervention. 

Group work, feedback sessions and guided practice form part of the programme to ensure volunteers are adequately prepared before working with clients.

A former participant from the 2025 Usho (Understan-ding Self to Help Others) programme described the course as life-changing, saying it helped him process long-standing trauma and personal challenges while opening new areas of growth. 

He encouraged others to enrol, noting that personal development often leads to helping others in meaningful ways.

Volunteer counsellors who complete the programme become part of Famsa's local support network, offering counselling services to individuals and families in the community.

The next intake is now open, with limited spaces available. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

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