Resources & Help
Health information, practical guidance, support organisations, helplines and useful resources for individuals, families and caregivers. Use the health library for condition guides and practical articles, or browse the support directory below when you need an organisation, service or helpline.
Health & Practical Information Library
Our medical, health, caregiving, nutrition and practical guidance articles belong here — separate from the personal stories in the Blog.
Cancer & Serious Diagnoses · Arthritis & Joint Health · Immune Disorders · Rare & Complex Conditions · Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Conditions · Caregiving & Family Support · Keto & Metabolic Health · Mental Health
Urgent Help in South Africa
If there is immediate danger, a medical emergency or a risk of harm, contact emergency services.
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
- Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428
- LifeLine National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
Dementia, Alzheimer’s & Caregiving
ADASA
The Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa offers psychosocial support, counselling, family consultations, support groups, training and awareness services.
Alzheimer’s Association
International information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, caregiver support, research and practical guidance.
Dementia Australia
Education, support, information and advocacy for people living with dementia, families and carers.
Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
This external resource provides 62 practical tips for families and caregivers, covering dementia care, safety, daily routines, changes in behaviour, meals and hygiene, communication, and caregiver well-being.
View 62 Tips on Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
External resource published by Lanzone Morgan, LLP.
Mental Health, Trauma & Emotional Support
SADAG
South African mental-health helplines, counselling referrals, support groups and educational resources.
Suicide Crisis: 0800 567 567
SADAG Office: 011 234 4837
LifeLine South Africa
Confidential counselling and support for trauma, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, suicide risk and other crises.
National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
24-hour support and counselling from qualified social workers for people affected by gender-based violence.
Toll-free: 0800 428 428
Additional Mental Health & Advocacy Support
South African Federation for Mental Health
A national mental-health and human-rights organisation providing advocacy, information, awareness and links to mental-health support services across South Africa.
Telephone: 011 781 1852
Cancer & Serious Illness
CANSA
Cancer information, care centres, patient and family support, screening information and referrals.
Care line: 0800 22 6622
Rare & Complex Conditions
Rare Diseases South Africa
Patient navigation, advocacy, counselling links, support groups, resource information and community support for people affected by rare diseases and congenital disorders.
Hotline: 072 476 7552
Disability, Mobility & Accessibility
Laura Germishuys — Disability & Accessibility Contributor
Laura is a disability consultant, speaker, author and podcast host specialising in accessibility, workplace accommodations and disability inclusion. Her experience also includes transition coaching, inclusive learning, learning experience design, e-learning, DEI, and the use of AI and technology for inclusion.
Website: disability-works.com
LinkedIn: Laura’s LinkedIn profile
Email: germislaura@gmail.com
National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities
South African disability-rights advocacy, accessibility support, provincial associations and specialist services.
Telephone: 011 452 2774
Elder Abuse & Safety
Help for Elder Abuse
The South African Government lists support routes for older people experiencing abuse, including the Halt Elder Abuse Line.
Halt Elder Abuse Line: 0800 003 081
Practical & Humanitarian Assistance
Gift of the Givers
Humanitarian assistance including disaster response, food support, water, healthcare and other emergency interventions.
National Call Centre: 0800 786 911
Animal Welfare
National Council of SPCAs
National animal-welfare organisation addressing cruelty, welfare concerns and support for the SPCA movement in South Africa.
Telephone: 011 907 3590
Cart Horse Protection Association
A Cape Town-based non-profit focused on protecting working cart horses and donkeys through veterinary care, rehabilitation, education and community outreach.
Email: info@carthorse.org.za
Fallen Angels Pet Rescue
A South African animal-rescue organisation focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned, abused, neglected and lost domestic animals.
Email: info@fallenangels.org.za
Health Education Videos
Explore Dr Eric Berg, Dr Anthony Chaffee, Dr Ken Berry, Dr Elizabeth Bright, Max German and Steak and Butter Gal’s YouTube channels alongside our other support topics.
View Health Education in the Support Hub
Areas Still to Be Added
We are developing more specific resources for these needs:
- Caregiver respite and home-care providers
- Local food and household assistance programmes
- Assistive equipment, equipment loans and accessible transport providers
- Legal and financial guidance for families facing illness or disability
- Family and relationship counselling services
- Professional counselling and trauma-recovery directories
- Women’s and men’s health support
- Gut-health and nutrition services
- Support for neurological conditions beyond dementia
- Condition-specific cancer support beyond the existing CANSA listing
Can’t Find What You Need?
Tell us what kind of support you are looking for. We will try to identify a suitable organisation, service or community resource.
Important: Stronger Together – United We Stand provides general information and lived-experience support. Listing an organisation does not automatically mean endorsement. Contact details and services can change, so urgent or important information should be confirmed directly with the organisation. This page does not replace professional medical, psychological, legal or emergency advice.