How does one join?
In greater Johannesburg, call Bearnard O’Riain on 082 342 2864.
or email via their website: www.muralhelp.co.za

When do MURAL meet?
Once a fortnight at the moment on Thursday evenings from seven o’clock to nine o’clock. However, individuals meet between meetings to discuss individual problems.

Where?
In one of the counselling rooms in the grounds of the Bryanston Methodist Church on Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Q: What is unique about MURAL?
A: Well, you can imagine for a start that they share experiences and they meet in a safe private place. They share the grief and heartache and they do not judge each other.

As they have all been there, they can relate to each other’s stories, good and bad.
This gives them credibility.

So, they have the same purpose and they mentor each other when appropriate. They hear each other’s progress, failures and successes, ask questions, steer, advise – not tell – each other.
They practise the skills of listening and asking questions about what is and is not working.
Where it is appropriate they point each other towards other forms of help, e.g. FAMSA or psychologists. Finally, they are determined to break the cycle of bad behaviour.

Q: We are asked if our group is in competition with Psychologists and counselling organisations like FAMSA or Life Line or Sonke Gender Justice?
A: No, MURAL is complementary to or additional to other sources of help. Members of MURAL regularly obtain help from the above also.ong>

Is MURAL approved by other counselling organisations?
Yes. Here is what Liz Dooley, the head of FAMSA, says: