Around 60 people arrived at Valkenberg Hospital on Mandela Day to tour the facilities and find out more about the work that the Friends of Valkenberg do to support those receiving treatment at the facility.
The visitors brought do-
nations of clothing and food parcels for patients, second-hand goods for the Friendly Shop, cupcakes for those in the wards and financial donations to support the 20 projects that the Friends run.
Among these are cooking, sewing and socialising; helping to build self-esteem through activity-based groups as well as their hair salon and beauty therapy groups; dealing with stress through circle dancing, drumming and arts; improving physical activity through sport and movement; offering work and skills experience in their hair salon and Friendly Shop
and providing practical support through their clothing depot and food parcel scheme.
Director of the Friends of Valkenberg Trust, Sandra Matthew, said the trust was committed to all aspects of recovery for people with mental illness.
“This is vital work, as it means people can get back to their lives, their families, their jobs and their communities and be better equipped to continue their recovery journey,” she said.
During the tour of the facility, the visitors were introduced to volunteers, one of whom is Trevor Thompson, a professional stylists who volunteers his time on a Wednesday to ensure that patients are well groomed.
Isobel Jones, who works in the clothing store at the hospital, said they are always looking for donations of clothing to add to the store, and Marj Krige added that the hospital library was always looking for donations of books.
To get involved with the Friends of Valkenberg Trust, call 021 447 2092 or send an email to admin@friendsofvalkenberg.co.za for more information.