Therapy to make a difference
JOHANNESBURG – A Johannesburg resident has been inspired to help people with substance abuse issues.
A Johannesburg resident has been inspired to help people with substance abuse problems to reclaim their lives.
Kendra Neethling, a St Stithians Girls’ College old girl and a honours student in BSC Occupational Therapy at the University of Cape Town, said she has a huge passion for psychiatry and finds addiction ‘exceptionally complex and multifaceted’.
Neethling is the new occupational therapist at Rand Aid’s Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre in Whitney Gardens.
“Substance abuse influences many areas of a person’s life. As such, occupational therapy is pivotal in any intervention, providing key skills and resources to help the person prepare to retake their place in society, and brings meaningful, healthy and satisfying engagement back into their lives,” said Neethling.
“Wedge’s occupational therapy department will, this year, focus on the mastery of skills. Plans include a garden project to promote the healthy use of leisure time, mindfulness skills, industry and initiative and pre-vocational skills.”
She said the centre hopes to expand the Wedge Cafe offering from predominantly food-based products to handmade items.
“Activities that promote de-institutionalisation such as treasure hunts, braais and picnics will also be hosted to help ensure a smooth transition back into society,” concluded Kendra.
