New to Rise?
Start here.
If you are reaching out for support, we want you to feel informed and safe from the beginning. Rise uses one structured intake process so your request can be reviewed properly and placed in the correct support pathway.
Rise is a support organisation.
We are not a crisis centre, not SAPS, and we do not provide emergency intervention. If you are in immediate danger, please contact SAPS or your local law enforcement agency directly.
All new survivors must complete the mandatory intake form before support can begin. This helps us understand what type of support you need, confirms your consent to be assisted, and allows your information to be shared internally with the relevant Rise volunteers assisting your matter.
One clear process. One safe starting point.
Intake applies to all new survivors and to existing Rise community members whose support needs have changed.
Step One
Complete the intake form so Rise can understand what support you need.
Complete The Intake Form
All new survivors must complete our mandatory intake form before support can begin.
The form confirms your consent to be assisted, allows us to understand what type of support you need, and helps us place you in the correct legal, counselling, or support space.
It also allows your information to be shared internally within the Rise team for assistance purposes.
Step Two
A Rise Intake Volunteer reviews your information and identifies the support pathway.
Internal Review
Once your intake form is received, a Rise Intake Volunteer will review your information.
Your needs are identified, which may include legal guidance, counselling, support group placement, or general guidance.
Your details are shared internally only with relevant Rise volunteers assisting your matter. All Rise volunteers are bound by confidentiality. We take privacy seriously and operate in line with POPIA principles.
Step Three
You may be contacted by WhatsApp for follow up and placement.
Personal Follow Up
Once your intake form has been correctly completed and received, the Rise Intake Volunteer will reach out to you directly via WhatsApp to discuss your form, your situation, and the type of support you require.
During this conversation, your needs will be clarified and the appropriate next steps explained.
Placement is handled carefully to ensure you receive the most suitable and appropriate support.
Step Four
You may be placed into the correct legal, counselling, or support pathway.
Placement
Based on your circumstances, you may be added to the relevant Rise support group, assigned to the appropriate legal volunteer for guidance, scheduled with a counsellor, or referred to a counselling intern where appropriate.
You may also be referred to resources or external parties if Rise is not able to assist.
Any external referral is handled only with your consent.
Support depends on your needs.
Depending on your situation, Rise may provide legal guidance, court process guidance for unrepresented survivors, scheduled counselling sessions, access to survivor support groups, trauma informed emotional support, educational resources, and guidance.
What Rise is not.
Clear boundaries protect survivors, volunteers, and the support process.
Not Emergency Support
Rise is not a crisis centre or emergency service.
Not Emergency Support
Rise is not an emergency service and is not a 24 hour crisis hotline.
If your life is in danger, go directly to SAPS or your local law enforcement agency.
Rise does not replace SAPS, shelters, medical services, emergency services, or urgent crisis intervention.
Not Legal Representation
Rise does not represent clients in court.
Legal Boundary
Rise does not represent clients in court and does not replace an attorney.
If you already have legal representation, Rise cannot provide legal guidance or interfere with that process.
Our legal support is for survivors who do not have access to legal advice elsewhere.
Timeframes for intake
Please allow up to 72 hours for an intake response.
We close intake every Friday at 15:30 and reopen on Monday at 09:00.
We do not use automated replies. Every response comes from a real person. We ask for patience as we support a high number of survivors across South Africa.
Your consent matters.
By completing the intake form, you give consent to be contacted for support, for relevant volunteers assigned to your matter to receive the information needed to support you, and to be added to appropriate Rise support spaces where suitable.
WhatsApp contact
Rise has an official WhatsApp line for general communication and follow up. This line is not for intake.
All survivor support requests must be submitted through the intake form. You may be contacted via WhatsApp after your form has been reviewed.
This protects the intake process, reduces missed information, and helps us keep support requests organised.
Complete Survivor Intake
This is the correct route into Rise support. Please complete the form carefully and include all relevant information before submitting.