NICRO has developed or collated the below resources to support crime and violence prevention implementation. Some of the content belongs to NICRO. Other content is in the public domain.
Workbooks
NICRO offers a series of free workbooks on life skills and related topics. These resources are available for anyone to download and use for non-commercial purposes, including personal use or as part of non-profit community outreach, group programmes, or individual services.
The workbooks are developed using a combination of practitioner expertise and digital drafting tools. Each workbook is reviewed by a Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)-accredited psychological counsellor to ensure accuracy, contextual relevance, and compliance with ethical and professional standards. The purpose of the workbooks is to put resources in the hands of people at no cost. Should you wish to work with a social worker, please contact your nearest NICRO office.
If you would like clarity on your specific use case, please email us at
If you would like to give us feedback on the workbooks or suggest other titles, please complete this short survey. Click here.
Lifeskills
Retirement Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook to help people manage the transition from working fulltime to being retired. This period of our lives can be particularly stressful, as we have to make numerous emotional, mental and physical adjustments, often without structured support.
This workbook will help you develop a meaningful and rewarding retirement lifestyle.
Hobbies and Interests Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook to help people identify and follow meaningful and rewarding activities in the form of hobbies and interests. Having a hobby or an interest is an important part of our overall psychological and emotional wellbeing. They can act as stress relief, sources of accomplishment and satisfaction, and allow us to develop new skills and knowledge. This workbook will help you explore the options available to you.
Peer Pressure Workbooks for Teens
NICRO has developed this PDF guide to help teenagers cope effectively with peer pressure. The workbook contains tips to follow and activities to complete in order to develop insight into how peer pressure affects us positively and negatively.
Download here: CLICK.
Managing Difficult People Guide
NICRO has developed this PDF guide to help you become better able to manage difficult people in your personal and professional life.
Positive Masculinities Workbook
NICRO has developed this PDF guide to help boys and men develop a more positive sense of masculinity. The workbook serves as a reader, but also contains practical activities you can do to grow and develop yourself. The workbook topics include:
- Exploring Masculinities
- Developing Self Awareness
- Developing Your Emotional Regulation
- Developing Good Communication Skills
- Respecting Others
- Becoming A Positive Role Model
The workbook is free to be used by anyone.Translated versions by Google Translate.
Mental Wellbeing
Surviving Sexual Assault Workbook
Many of NICRO’s clients have reported being victims of sexual assault in the past, either as children or as an adult. Some of these incidents took place while being detained or in prison.
This workbook is not intended as a substitute for therapy. However, we recognise that many people do not have the means to seek out structured professional help. This workbook aims to provide education, knowledge and skills to help you become more resilient and experience fewer traumatic reactions.
Anger Management Workbook
This workbook is designed to help you develop better anger management skills. The workbook contains information as well as numerous activities and worksheets designed to improve your insight into your behaviour and develop better responses.
Tracing the Pattern Workbook
The goal of this workbook is to provide educational information on identifying patterns of behaviour of your relationships- in a professional and personal capacity- that produce negative outcomes for you. The workbook is designed to guide the user through a series of notes and worksheets that will develop improved insight so that they can make more informed choices about their current and future situations. If you want to get better outcomes in your life, and have more fulfilling, healthy and rewarding relationships with others, investing time to work through the workbook will be worthwhile for you.
Healthy Attachments Workbook
NICRO has developed a workbook that provides insight into what healthy attachments look like, and provides guidance on how to develop a more healthy attachment style in different contexts, such as family, work and with romantic relationships. The workbook contains worksheets as well as educational content.
The workbook is available in English and has been translated to other languages using Google Translate.
Carrying the Weight Workbook
As part of our 115 year birthday celebration, NICRO has developed this workbook for criminal justice professionals who are experiencing burnout due to the stressful and often unappreciated nature of their work.
The workbook contains educational content as well as worksheets that will help you improve your stress management skills, and equip you to respond better to vicarious trauma which results from what you are exposed to in the workplace.
This workbook may be shared with others and used for any non-commercial purpose.
Mental Wellbeing Workbook
NICRO has developed this PDF workbook to help you manage your mental health.
The workbook contains useful information about mental wellbeing, how to improve your mental wellbeing, and the common mental health issues people face, such as anxiety and depression. The workbook contains links to helpful resources, and practical tips for improving your mental health.
The workbook is available in English and has been translated to other languages using Google Translate
Stress Management Workbook
NICRO has developed this PDF workbook to help you manage stress. The workbook contains stress management exercises and some templates that you can use to improve your stress management skills. Translated versions by Google Translate.
Emotional Intelligence Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook at the request of our clients. The workbook covers the following topics:
- What is emotional intelligence?
- Developing your emotional intelligence
- Developing empathy
- Developing emotional regulation
- Developing good communication and social skills
The workbook is free for anyone to use.
Toxic Relationships Reader
NICRO has developed a reader that provides insight into the nature of toxic relationships, what makes a relationship toxic, how to identify if you are in a toxic relationship, and what to do if you are.
The reader can be used to support gender-based violence and general adult lifeskills interventions.
The workbook is available in English and has been translated to other languages using Google Translate
Healthy Boundaries Reader
NICRO has developed a reader that provides insight into what healthy boundaries look like, and provides guidance on how to develop more healthy boundaries in different contexts, such as family, work and with romantic relationships. The reader contains worksheets as well as educational content.
The workbook is available in English and has been translated to other languages using Google Translate.
Developing Resilience Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook at the request of our clients. The workbook covers the following topics:
• What is resilience?
• How do you become more resilient?
• Cognitive reframing
• Emotional regulation
• Stress management
• Mental flexibility
The workbook is free for anyone to use.Translated versions by Google Translate.
Parenting
Positive Parenting Audio Snips
NICRO has created short audio clips of positive parenting advice.
- Good communication skills in the home
- Teaching your child about emotions
- Building a strong relationship with your child
- Simple ways to listen to your child
- Encouraging your child to express themselves
- Developing age appropriate responsibilities
- Developing age appropriate decision-making skills
- Positive Discipline
Post Partum Anxiety Workbook
The goal of this workbook is to provide educational information on managing post partum anxiety, so that affected people can make more informed choices about their current situation. This workbook contains explanatory notes, activities, worksheets, examples, and educational content, as well as guidance and advice.
This workbook is not intended as a diagnostic tool. It is intended to provide useful information and guidance.
Positive Parenting Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook at the request of our clients. The workbook covers the following topics:
- The basics of positive parenting
- Teaching emotions
- Teaching problem-solving skills
- Nurturing independence
- Quality time
- Positive discipline
Access different versions here. Translated versions by Google Translate.
Co-Parenting Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook at the request of our clients. The workbook covers the following topics:
- What is co-parenting?
- How to set up and manage co-parenting
- Developing a co-parenting plan
- Managing children
- When to use a mediator and links to mediation services
- Links to supporting materials
Access different versions here. Translated versions by Google Translate.
Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse Workbook
The goal of this workbook is to provide educational information on reducing or stopping the use of substances, so that affected people can make more informed choices about their current situation. It is being made available to the general public as part of our crime and violence prevention service. Individuals and organisations may make use of this document for non-profit and educational purposes. This workbook contains explanatory notes, activities, worksheets, examples, and educational content, as well as guidance and advice.
Work and Education
Study and Exam Preparation Guide
NICRO has developed this PDF guide to help you plan your studies and prepare for exams. The guide contains useful study and exam preparation tips, links to online educational resources such as past papers, a study note template, and free textbooks and subject study guides. The guide also contains free templates to help you create a study plan schedule.
Workseekers Guide
NICRO has developed this PDF guide to help you look for work. The guide contains useful links to CV templates, job search websites and free online education. The guide also provides advice on preparing for job interviews.
Financial Literacy Workbook
NICRO has developed this workbook at the request of our clients. The workbook covers the following topics:
- Banking
- Budgeting
- Savings
- Credit
The workbook is free for anyone to use.
NICRO Platforms
NICRO has a series of platforms that service different purposes:
- NICRO Online: an online learning management platform where you can NICRO programmes online. The programmes include lifeskills, substance abuse education, anger management, as well as professional development programmes.
- NICRO YoMobi: a web app that contains public access summaries of key learning drawn from NICRO programmes. This allows people to access some content for free.
- NICRO WhatsApp: NICRO runs a series of channels that have different topics: youth, practitioners and parents. The channels share guidance and resources.
- NICRO YouTube: a series of video talks about topics such as relationships and attachments.
- Violence prevention directory: a curated listing of public access manuals, toolkits, online training and other relevant resources.
NICRO Online
NICRO Online hosts self-paced online learning programmes for the general public and professionals working in crime and violence prevention. Account creation is free. Payment for programmes is done via PayPal using credit cards. Some of the professional development programmes are accredited for CPD points with the SACSSP and SACE.
NICRO Yomobi
NICRO has developed a site on YoMobi which allows anyone to create a free account and access the following micro-learning content:
- Lifeskills and personal growth
- Design thinking to support income generation
- Positive parenting skills
- Substance abuse
- Workseekers
- Educational resources for learners, caregivers and educators
- Gaming and Children's Safety For Parents
- School violence prevention (The National School Safety Framework)
- Domestic violence
- Sexuality education for grades 8 - 12
In addition, to accessing NICRO’s content, users can also access the following on the YoMobi platform:
- Other NGO service provider services
- Searchable database that links you with education, health and social services.
Access Yomobi and create a free account today.
The passcode to join NICRO is 89321.
Yomobi is also available as a mobile app. To download the app, search for YoMobi (Capacitate) in the Google Play store. An iTunes version may be created later on.
NICRO WhatsApp Channel
NICRO runs a WhatsApp community that posts content weekly.
There are four channels in the community:
- Youth Channel: This channel has content about lifeskills and education, as well as other content for youth.
- Parents and caregivers. This channel will share content about parenting.
- Violence prevention practitioners. This channel will share content about resources practitioners can use in programmes and with clients.
- Men and Boys channel: This channel aims to support men and boys with guidance and links to useful resources.
To join, open WhatsApp, click on the link. You will join the main group, and then subscribe to the smaller channels from there.
NICRO Youtube Channel: Tough Talks
Tough Talks is a series of informal unedited chats about topical issues. Hosted by NICRO. The opinions expressed are those of the individuals being interviewed, and do not represent NICRO’s official position.
Tough Talks: Toxic Relationships part 2
Tough Talks: Toxic Relationships part 1
Tough Talks. Being the Common Denominator
Tough Talks: Childhood and adult attachment
Violence Prevention Resource Directory
This resource directory is maintained by NICRO as a public asset. NICRO does not own the copyright to these resources. The directory currently consists of links to over 600 free manuals, toolkits, elearning courses and templates selected to support the implementation of crime and violence interventions and projects.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
Mental Health Resources
These public access workbooks and guides can assist you with mental health issues.
- NICRO Mental Wellbeing Workbook
- NICRO Stress Management Workbook
- NICRO Developing Resilience Workbook
- ThinkCBT Workbook
- ThinkCBT Worksheets
- Adult Mental Health Workbook
- How to adapt and thrive in the age of anxiety (ACT workbook)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) workbook
- Coping with Trauma workbook
- The PTSD Workbook
- A collection of workbooks, guides and worksheets for adults and children experiencing mental health challenges
Education on Mental Health
- Mental health fact sheets (SA Federation for Mental Health: LINK)
- Mental health policy and legislation (SA Federation for Mental Health: LINK)
- Mental health disorders fact sheets (World Health Organisation: LINK.)
Contact Numbers
Mental health resources in South Africa (directory maintained by tthe SA Federation for Mental Health: LINK.
|
Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline |
0800 70 80 90 |
|
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour |
0861 435 787 |
|
Cape Mental Health Society |
(021) 447 9040 |
|
Cipla Mental Health Helpline |
0800 456 789 |
|
Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline |
0800 21 22 23 |
|
Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline |
0800 21 21 21 |
|
LifeLine |
0861 322 322 |
|
South Africa Suicide Crisis Helpline |
0800 12 13 14 |
|
South African Depression & Anxiety Group |
011 234 4837 |
|
Suicide Crisis Helpline |
0800 567 567 |
Education and Employment Resources
These links are not NICRO content. However, we are highlighting them here as so many of our clients have requested them.
Subject Choice and Career Guidance Support
Subject Choice Links
- Department of Education workbook on career choices (PDF)
- Subject Choice Guidance (online)
- Choosing Grade 9 subjects (advice)
- Grade 9 subject choice and career path (Curro PDF Guide)
Career Guidance Links
- Career Advice Helpline
- Information on different types of careers and what you need to study
- Information on funding options for further study
- Career Plan Guide (PDF)
- Job Preparation Guide (PDF)
Further Study Applications
Bursaries
Exam Preparation and Support
Education Resources for High School
- Department of Basic Education online education resources for grade R - 12
- Woza Matric Subject Study Guides (grade 12)
- Woza Matric Subject Study Guides (grade 11)
- Tukkies Online: grade 8-12 exam preparation, videos and other learning content
- Past Matric exam papers
- Grades 4-12: Siyavula Textbooks
- Self Study Guides for Grades 10 - 12
- FET Revision Booklets
- Mind the Gap Study Guides Grade 12 CAPS Aligned
- NICRO Study and Exam Preparation Guide
- DBE Cloud (videos on subjects, sorted by grade)
- MTN Online School (requires account creation)
- WCDBE Grade 12 Support Platform
- GapUp Study Aid (online programme to help prep for matric exams). Requires account creation.
- Thutong (national education portal run by DBE).
Other Useful Documents:
Online Libraries
Free Reading Books
- Virtual free library. Requires free account creation. View books online.
- Project Gutenberg. Allows free downloads. Has books with expired copyright.
- Rainbow Reading Books (DBE) for grade R to Grade 9.Allows downloads.
- Oxford Owl. View books online.
- Google Read Along: view books online via a webpage or you can download the app. Suitable for young children.
- Storyweaver: a website containing free online books for most ages.
- Ekitabu: free online books for primary school learners
- Global Digital Library: free online reading content and resources for English and maths.
Rewrite Matric
Advice for Matrics Who Don’t Pass This Year
In the event that you don’t get the grades you want for your exams, it’s important to remember that this is not a catastrophe. You can retake those exams next year at no cost and have a second try This is the Second Chance Programme (link below).
This may affect your ability to go study further in 2026, but it does not mean that you have failed. It just means a slight delay for you.
If this happens, you can use 2026 to grow and develop yourself further before moving on to the next stage:
- You will have lots of time to invest in studying for your 2026 exams .
- You can take some free online courses to get a clearer sense of what you would like to study further. For example, if you planned to study accounting at varsity, you can now take some free online courses in accounting to see if that really does interest you. NICRO posts links to free online courses on this page.
- You can grow your work skills and develop your CV by volunteering at a local NGO.
- You could look for part time work to gain exposure to the workplace, develop workplace skills like communication and customer service skills, and build your CV.
- You have the time to work on your personal growth and development (communication skills, resilience etc) through free online courses and open access workbooks. NICRO has free lifeskills workbooks on this page.
- Apply for internships to gain more insight into possible careers. Join our Youth Whatsapp group to receive weekly links to current internships and learnerships.
By making the best possible use of your time in 2026, you can add real value to your future.
- Department of Basic Education Second Chance Programme (redo matric)
Job Search Links
Job Search Links
- Create and download your CV (online tool guides you as you build you cv. When it is done, you can download it.)
- Graduate 24: create a free profile and apply for internships, learnerships and access other useful information. They also have job postings for people with only a grade 12.
- SA Youth (register for free, build your cv and apply for jobs within the app)
- JobJack: create a free profile and apply for entry-level jobs.
- Indeed: create a free profile and apply for jobs from within the platform.
- Careers24: create a free profile and apply for jobs from within the platform.
- Vacation work: Graduate24's listings of vacation internships and positions.
- Entry-level jobs: Graduate24's listing of all open entry-level job adverts.
- Department of Labour ESSA Database: Create a free Department of Labour account and be able to search and apply for jobs via their ESSA platform.
Free Online Certificated Courses
- Mzansi Digital: Free certificated online courses, in collaboration with Afrika Tikkun. Click here.
- The Start Up Tribe provides a range of free and paid online courses designed to help South Africans start and run their own small business. Click here.
- Learning Through PLAY: PLAY is a FREE training course that teaches educators, parents and caregivers about how to use play to teach their child. Educators can earn 15 CPD credits as set out by the South African Council for Educators in terms of section 5(b) of the South African Council for Educators Act 31 of 2000. Click here.
- Google Digital Skills Academy: Create a free Google account and access a range of online video-based courses that result in a Google certificate. Topics range from workplace skills, computer software skills and personal growth. Click here.
- IBM Training: Create a free IBM user account and access free courses on topics ranging from introduction to data security, coding and data analytics. These free courses result in IBM-accredited certificates. The site also includes paid courses that result in internationally-recognised credentials. Click here
- Khan Academy: They have a large selection of free high school and university courses. These courses are designed to develop your academic skills and strengthen your grasp of academic content, rather than earn certificates. Some of the content is geared towards the USA. Click here.
- Academic Earth: They have university-level content on a variety of subjects from business, education, marketing and psychology. This site does not offer certificates. The emphasis is on stimulating interest and giving people an opportunity to explore subjects so that they can decide what to study at a formal institution. Click here.
- Massachusetts Institute for Technology: The courses provide detailed university-level learning opportunities. The site does not offer certifications. The site is very useful if you want to access free, high-quality learning materials on university subjects, to either explore possible formal study options, or to grow and develop yourself personally. Click here.
- GFC Learn Free: GCF LearnFree offers a detailed range of free certificated courses. Topics include computer literacy, financial literacy, career management, basic programming and design. Click here
- FutureLearn: Future Learn offers a series of 8 free digital skills development courses developed by Accenture. They also host other paid courses leading to certification. Click here.
- The Open University: The Open University has an extensive range of free university-level courses on science, maths, arts and humanities. You can earn certificates of participation by completion the course requirements. You are required to open an account. Click here.
- Alison: Free diplomas and certificate courses. Click here.
- Atingi.org: Free certificated programmes on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to soft skills. Free account creation required. Click here.
- Next Generation University: Free certiicated courses in medicine, nursing, community and public health. Click here.
Directories of Online Learning
Economic Relief Resources
School Fees Exemption Resources
Applying for a Disability Grant
Applying for a Child Grant
All SASSA Grants
2026 SASSA Grant Amounts (source: EWN)
- Older Persons Grant: R2,320; R2,340 for age 75 and over
- Disability Grant: R2,320
- War Veterans Grant: R2,340
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,320
- Foster Care Grant: R1,250
- Child Support Grant: R560
- Child Support Top-Up: R280
- Social Relief of Distress Grant: R370
Violence Prevention Resources
School Violence Prevention Resources
The link below opens a Google Drive folder that conatins a large selection of policies, programme manuals and guides that support school violence prevention interventions.
The National School Safety Framework (NSSF) is the government's school safety protocol. All state schools are required to implement the NSSF. The NSSF was developed by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (CJCP) for the Department of Basic Education. It is used by NICRO with the permission of CJCP.
School Violence Prevention Google Drive Folder
Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy Resources
The Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) sets out a comprehensive collaborative framework/mechanism for a whole of government and whole of society approach to crime and violence prevention in the country.
Child Protection Resources
- UNICEF child protection guide for businesses
- ChildHope’s Child Protection Toolkit
- Keeping Children Safe: A Toolkit for Child Protection (Save the Children)
- Child Safeguarding Toolkit (Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership)
- NICRO Grooming Awareness Guide
Crime and Violence Prevention Policies and Legislation
South African Online Law Library
This is not a NICRO resource. We are linking it here to increase people’s exposure to it. The platform contains extremely valuable guides and other legal documents for the South African context. Of particular interest is their collection of content for Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
Online Child Protection Resources
Useful Sites for Parents and Caregivers
Child Online Protection Guides, Toolkits and Manuals
- Guide for families (Google)
- Guide for educators (Google)
- Slides for classroom workshops (Google)
- Online safety for children training module (Terre des Hommes Netherland)
Reporting Online Abuse
Report online abuse of children to the Internet Watch Forum
Formal reports should also be made to the South African Police Service and to Child Welfare.
Reporting to the SAPS:
Reporting to the Department of Social Development: Visit website
Reporting to Childline: Visit website
Research on South African Online Child Safety
Global Kids Online South Africa Study (CJCP 2016)
Social Trends 2022 (Hootsuite global)
Disrupting Harm (UNICEF 2020)
Income Generation Resources
Small Business Resources
Here is a list of sources of funding for small businesses.
Health Resources
Soul City Booklets
Soul City has produced a series of booklets on important topics.
- AIDS in our community
- Alcohol & You
- Depression - You can beat it
- Help stop women abuse
- Khomanani: HIV & Aids treatment
- How to save for your dreams
- Know your body
- Making communities look better, feel better and work better
- Living positively with HIV & AIDS
- Money Matter
- Smoking and your health
- Talking about Asthma
- Talking about sexually transmitted infections
Institutional Health Resources
- Health topics A-Z directory (World Health Organisation)
- Health resources (UNICEF)
- Health topics A-Z directory (Centre for Disease Control)
Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources
For Educators and Practitioners
- Internet of Good Things. View online content.
- Sexuality Education in Life Skills. DBE's official curriculum. Download the programme manual and workbooks.
- Let's Talk Curriculum. Download the programme manual and workbooks.
- Keep It Real Primary School Peer-Led Sexuality Education Manual. Download the programme manual.
- My Dreams, My Choice. Download the programme manual.
- The FLASH Toolkit: The Financial Literacy and Sexual Health Toolkit: Very Young Adolescents 10-14. Download the programme manual.
- Talking Taboos (UCT). Download the programme manual.
- Urban adolescent SRH SBCC implementation kit. Download the programme manual.
- Baby, Not Now! Programme (KZN DBE)
For Parents and Caregivers
- Planned Parenthood resources for parents
- Talk with your kids
- CDC parent resources
- Teaching sexual health
For Youth
- Choma: a website aimed at women and girls on sexual and reproductive health
- Internet of Good Things. information and advice about sexual and reproductive health
- Resources for teens: A lists of useful information for teens on topics ranging from abortion to mental health.
- Planned Parenthood information for teens
- NICRO Grooming Awareness Guide
Also see the Service Provider Directory for links to organisations.
Parenting Resources
Parenting Resources
Road to Health Series (Department of Health)
- Healthcare worker's guide
- Parent's Booklet
- Early childhood development and childcare workers’ guide to the Road to Health book
- How to raise a healthy and happy child booklet (English)
- How to raise a healthy and happy child booklet (IsiXhosa)
- How to raise a healthy and happy child booklet (Afrikaans)
- How to raise a healthy and happy child booklet (Sotho)
