The establishment of our Psychosocial Support Programme was driven by a significant increase in requests for support from boys participating in our mentorship programme.
Many of these requests arose from disclosures of neglect, food insecurity, extreme poverty, inadequate access to basic hygiene necessities, and experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, highlighting the need for a structured, responsive, and trauma-informed support system.
In response, Heroes Academy established an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to ensure that all reported cases and requests for support are managed promptly, professionally, and with the appropriate level of care. The ERT comprises our resident Social Worker, Emergency Response Team Coordinator, Head of Administration, Founder, and Operations Manager, each playing a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of our participants.
The ERT is responsible for receiving reported cases from our coaches, conducting thorough assessments, and coordinating appropriate interventions based on the needs of each individual. These interventions may include the provision of counselling, referrals to specialised support services, reporting cases to the Department of Social Development where required, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure the safety and protection of the child.
At Heroes Academy, the safety, dignity, and well-being of every participant remain our highest priority. Through the dedicated work of our Emergency Response Team, we are committed to providing timely, compassionate, and effective support, ensuring that every young person has access to the care they need within a safe and nurturing environment.
