support group

You’re not alone

There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, and those behind U Matter know this better than anyone. U Matter is a parent and peer support group for burn survivors in South Africa. Using storytelling as a healing tool, we aim to create positive experiences that build self-esteem, inspire hope and ignite possibilities among burn survivors and their families.

You’re in expert care

Tebogo Tsotetsi, the national coordinator at U Matter, had her life turned upside down after returning home from a church concert late on a cold winter’s night in 2014. She turned on a heater in her children’s bedroom to warm up the space before they went to bed. Five minutes later, the room was in flames. The youngest of her sons, Kutlwano passed away from smoke inhalation and her eldest Molemo suffered severe burns to his body. He has since endured 14 surgeries to try and repair these burn wounds.

Tebogo wants to give back to South African parents of burn survivors by supporting them on their journey to healing and recovery. The U matter support team is empowered by Clinical Psychologist Itumeleng Khutlang as well as Trauma Counsellor and Smile Friends Coordinator Kereeditswe Mankaye. Feel free to contact Tebogo directly on 074 403 0231.

who can join?

U matter is for anyone affected by burn injuries in South Africa, this could be:

  1. Parents & guardians of burn survivors.
  2. Burn survivors.
  3. Health professionals.
  4. Anyone with some other personal connection to burns e.g. grandparent, sibling, teacher, friend of a burn survivor.
  5. Anyone who would like to sign up for our newsletter, help raise funds for our cause and/or attend our awareness events.

To find out more about U Matter and how to connect with our parents and peer support groups Contact our Programme Manager, Helena Cullis on 082 393 1206 or email helena@smilefoundationsa.org

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