BBN Counselling Centre celebrates 1,000 clients in two years
Freetown 28 February, 2014: The Believers Broadcasting Network (BBN) Counselling Centre which was established two years ago as a walk-in counselling centre is a novelty in Sierra Leone. This Centre has alleviated the many psycho-social dilemmas facing society. On a personal scale, it is God sent to the 1000 clients who finally found a place to unravel the burning issues disturbing their peace of mind and discover solutions here.
“As we mark the second anniversary of the Centre, we are happy to celebrate our 1,000 client milestone. When we first opened our doors in February 2012, there were many doubts about how the centre will succeed in a conservative culture like ours. This was because of the prevailing notion that seeking counsel from “an outsider “is uncommon in our society. Nonetheless, that has not stopped people of all ages from trooping in with diverse issues. This emphasises the necessity for such a facility,” says Ransford Wright, CEO of BBN
A proof of the expertise resident in our counsellors is manifested in the lives of clients who mostly leave the centre with a smile. For almost ten years BBN has been doing counselling on radio, this to a large extent has changed the conservative mind-set, people now realise that talking with a counsellor helps. The Centre is sometimes promoted by word of mouth from a satisfied client to a prospective client.
It is no secret that we run a Christian counselling service, however, we see an increasing number of Moslems coming for counselling too. That in itself adds beauty to our work and underlines the fact that we are non-discriminatory, non-judgemental, interdenominational and above all professional. We practice a no condemnation, no coercion policy at the centre. Even when parents bring their children in, we only counsel the child when he/she is willing.
God has been using our team of experienced; spirit filled and well trained counsellors to minister encouragement, solutions, healing, salvation and restoration to clients through the help of his Holy Spirit and the skills he has endowed us with.
“Why do we regard serving 1000 people as a landmark worth celebrating? Imagine all those people walking around town, heavy laden with burdens; distressed and having nowhere to turn for help. Our society would be much more volatile” adds Ransford Wright, CEO of BBN.
“Our counselling is done with a participatory approach which empowers the client with the tools to handle subsequent situations should they reoccur. We don’t give advice at the centre, but provide an atmosphere where people can talk about the issues bothering them and through the use of professional skills, bring clients to the place where they see the steps to take to break out of the ugly situation facing them” says Daphne Hyde, Manager of the BBN Counselling Centre.
Our greatest delight every day is when a client says “I now understand how to handle this situation in the future” adds Daphne Hyde.
The table below gives an overview of the cases attended to at the Centre.
However, it is noteworthy to mention that there are exceptional cases we do not cater for. These include mental cases, Schizophrenia and acute depression.
As we mention all these successes, we must know that they have not come without a fair share challenges, but the Grace of God continues to uphold our operations.
The Centre is located at the central business district of the capital and it is accessible to many people who leave within the city. “However, there are plans to expand this service to other parts of the country” says Ransford Wright, CEO of BBN.
The BBN Counselling Centre provides sound counseling to individuals, couples, and families so that people will experience emotional, physical, mental and spiritual liberty. It was established by BBN with support from “HCJB” now “ReachBeyond” and it is funded by BBN from its radio operations.
BBN Counselling Centre 89 Pademba Road Freetown, Sierra Leone. Tel: + (232)77930930Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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