18 Aug 2021

Hill View Church has established a free access call centre that provides spiritual counselling including comfort to bereaved families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19.

Call an Angel call centre, accessed through toll-free number 71777400, is available for free.

The centre seeks to assist those in isolation, the bereaved and those going through a difficult time who wish to get in touch with a trained pastor.

Services include general counselling by a social worker and or psychologist to include psycho-social counselling while health counselling through a health expert would ensure the provision of emergency medical advice and first aid tips to those on isolation or quarantine.

Launching the call centre in Gaborone on Monday, minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti said the initiative demonstrated what a nation could achieve when working together with other stakeholders to better the lives of Batswana.

He said joint forces were a great way to tackle challenges the country faced amid the pandemic, adding that government alone could not win against trials facing the community.

Dr Dikoloti noted that the establishment of Call an Angel call centre initiative was timely especially during challenging times of COVID-19 as it established a platform of hope for Batswana.

He said the call centre approach coupled with medical traction already in motion provided a holistic approach to the needs of the nation.

He appealed to members of the community, the private sector and Non- Government Organisations to assist to help address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.

Dr Dikoloti stated that his ministry was committed to strengthening community engagement and participation by all stakeholders to ensure that communities’ needs were met.

He, therefore, hailed the project saying it was in line with the ministry’s Integrated National Guidelines which offered a people-centred health system where the community could participate, mobilise, lead and come up with strategies on issues relating to their health.

Furthermore, he said the project complemented the home-based care approach for COVID-19 patients.

Dr Dikoloti appreciated the contribution of Hill View Church to the country’s development, adding that it was not only spiritual and social support but a tangible and progressive programme that would improve the livelihood of many citizens. BOPA