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programme > faq's
What is the Mercy Ministries Program?
Who can come?
What is the length/duration of Program?
How bad/severe do I need to be to come into the program?
What is the age range?
What costs are involved?
Do you have to be a Christian/religious/go to church to come to Mercy Ministries?
What method of Counselling is used at Mercy Ministries?
Can I complete University studies while I’m at Mercy Ministries?
What and when do I eat?
What if I am a vegetarian, vegan etc?
What if I’m already on a dietician set meal plan?
What happens if I need to see a Doctor?
Can I come if I am on medication?
What about seeing a specialist for different issues?
What about seeing a Dietician?
What are the recreational activities?
Do I get to go out?
When do I get to see my family/friends?
Mail?
Phone calls?
What happens when I finish the program?
What is the Mercy Ministries Program?
Mercy Ministries runs a residential programme for young women aged between 16 and 28 years
with life controlling issues. These issues range from eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies,
self harm, suicidal tendencies, depression and anxiety, and the effects of abuse. The average
stay for a resident is six to nine months, depending on the individual.
The programme is very structured and is based on Christian principles. The residents have class
time and bible study daily. Each young woman is assigned to a counsellor when she enters the
programme and they work together for the duration of her stay. The young women are also involved
in topical group counselling. Recreation is held offsite with a staff member most afternoons, which
includes going to the gym, outdoor activities, beach walks, shopping.
Mercy Ministries is for young women who have a strong desire to bring about change in their lives.
Each applicant has to want to come to Mercy Ministries. Once in the programme, they are to
participate in all aspects of the programme.
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Who can come?
Young women 16 to 28 years with a strong desire to change their lives. Programme participation is
voluntary – that is young women have to want to come to Mercy Ministries. Once in the programme,
they are to participate in all aspects of the programme.
The areas that we cater for include: eating disorders, issues relating to past abuse, addictions,
unplanned pregnancy, self-harm, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts.
An individual care plan is developed for each young woman. This includes access to health professionals
including a Dietician, GP and specialists. Mercy Ministries is committed to assisting with family
restoration where appropriate and possible.
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What is the length/duration of Program?
The average stay in the programme is six to nine months. We ask that young women are committed to at
least this amount of time.
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How bad/severe do I need to be to come into the program?
It’s not about how bad you are. Young women really need to have a strong desire for change in their
lives. Programme participation is voluntary – that is you have to want to come to Mercy Ministries.
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What is the age range?
The age range is 16 to 28 years.
A young woman may apply if she is under 16, however entry would only be possible once turned 16.
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What costs are involved?
There is no cost for the programme. However residents need to be able to pay for their weekly personal
shopping and medication costs. These personal costs can be covered independently or through a sponsor
that the resident has identified (can be family member/friend/church).
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Do you have to be a Christian/religious/go to church to come to Mercy Ministries?
No you don’t. All we ask is that applicants understand that the programme is based on Christian
principles. We ask that people are open to hearing about God and the way He can help a person
overcome different life issues.
We have Bible reading and worship (singing Christian songs) each day. We also participate in church
on the weekends and other Christian based activities during the week.
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What method of Counselling is used at Mercy Ministries?
Mercy Ministries uses a Christian based counselling programme. All residents set goals for what they’d
like to achieve through their time at Mercy Ministries.
Residents work through a staged counselling process which includes topics such as forgiveness, resolving
past hurts, family issues, and thought patterns, as well as issues specifically related to what the
young women are experiencing.
Residents also participate in group counselling on a weekly basis.
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Can I complete University studies while I”m at Mercy Ministries?
Generally we encourage young women to defer their studies while they are in the programme. Universities
have a programme where you can defer studies due to special circumstances.
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What and when do I eat?
All meals are set in a menu plan. There are 3 meals a day, plus snacks for morning tea, afternoon and supper.
For those on a eating plan that has been set by the Programme Dietician, they eat as per their plan. The
young women are on a set plan if they are dealing with an eating disorder or another health issue that
requires a set eating regime.
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What if I am a vegetarian, vegan etc?
At Mercy Ministries we have a range of meals. Some of these have a vegetarian option, and at other times
the meal includes meat. Young women are required to eat the meals that are set.
We encourage all applicants to consider if they are prepared to eat what is on the menu plan for this period
of time.
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What if I’m already on a dietician set meal plan?
Once you come to Mercy Ministries you would talk with the programme consultant dietician and they would look
at the plan set by your dietician.
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What happens if I need to see a Doctor?
Mercy Ministries takes residents to see a Doctor as and when required.
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Can I come if I am on medication?
The programme works with young women who are on medication. This is monitored by the Doctor.
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What about seeing a specialist for different issues?
If required we are able to organise specialist appointments for residents. This may include
seeing a physiotherapist, psychiatrist etc.
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What about seeing a Dietician?
Residents who are dealing with eating related issues speak with the dietician monthly.
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What are the recreational activities?
Recreation is organised four days per week. Activities include aerobics, going to the gym,
walking.
Some residents are on recreation restrictions due to their health. This is determined on an
individual basis.
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Do I get to go out?
Mercy Ministries has organised activities where all residents go out. This includes spending
an afternoon at the shops, recreational activities, going to church and other activities
from time to time.
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When do I get to see my family/friends?
Weekend leave is allowed every 4 to 6 weeks. In this time you spend time with family and
approved friends.
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Mail?
Post/email can be sent and received every day.
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Phone calls?
Phone calls can be made and received on the weekends.
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What happens when I finish the program?
In the final stages of your time at Mercy Ministries you will begin the Aftercare component
of the programme. This involves planning for when you leave – accommodation, work/education/ training.
You will also have an accountability person you meet with when you complete the programme.
You will meet with this person every fortnight. Mercy Ministries also provides ongoing support.
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