Wellness Workshops
The Wellness Workshops have gotten off to a good start, with groups attending sessions in Samora Machel, Kuyasa and Khayelitsha. We have been piloting a new approach in the workshops which is helping to take the work deeper, creating a more engaging environment for participants and working in ways that better address the real felt issues that the groups want to prioritise. Last year, we came to see that group members had been asking for more support related to finding work, and so some time was spent at the start of the year exploring organisations that provide work readiness assistance – so that the programme can continue to respond to needs that we see acting as barriers to people’s health and wellbeing. Facilitators spent time at key organisations exploring what services they each provide, so that we can better refer and equip people who complete the workshops to can get the support that they need.
Community Champions
The community Champions process ensures that selected participants are mentored to strengthen their initiatives that contribute to community health and wellbeing. The Champions gathered together at the start of the year to reconnect as a group, and to clarify their plans for the year ahead. The group met at Green Point Urban Park. There are two Champions in particular whose work we want to highlight and to invite you to get involved and support. Mickey and Patricia, like all the other women in this programme are real beacons of light in their communities! We are excited to see their projects growing!
Mickey, one of our previous Champions, is in the process of raising funds to upgrade her project – the Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen – and convert her existing structure into a Hemp House. The structure will be well insulated, strong and natural. We are grateful to Catherine from GreenHome for the support she has been providing to make this dream a reality! If you would like to assist Mickey to grow her project, please follow the link https://www.ripple.org.za/yiza-hemp-house
Health Awareness Days
For International TB Day this year our wellness facilitators took to the streets of Cape Town alongside other organisations. The aim of the day was to create awareness around TB. The focus was on knowing your status and receiving the correct treatment. TB is the number 1 killer in South Africa. The facilitators enjoyed sharing their knowledge and playing a role in creating awareness around this disease. The TB Day was organised by MSAT and the City of Cape Town.
