NOTICING a great need for a safe space where teenagers could experience a healthy routine, activities, and positive interactions, three experienced medical professionals plan to open the door to the Eastern Cape’s first privately-owned rehabilitation centre for adolescents, named Rise Care, in Jeffreys Bay, on May 19.
Co-director, George van der Watt, said he and his fellow co-directors, Marlize Watermeyer and Chanette van der Merwe, have all worked in the mental health industry, both in the private sector and within the communities.
As a result, he said that many parents had approached them for guidance to deal with teenagers’ negative behaviour.
Van der Watt said the need became more apparent, and they knew it was essential to provide a safe place where teenagers were able to experience a healthy routine and meaningful activities to help them turn away from negative influences.
“We wanted to provide that safe space, and applied our knowledge in the field and connections in the community, to come up with a solution,” said Van der Watt.
Further elaborating on the centre’s location in Dogwood Street in Jeffreys Bay, a secure, access-controlled estate which caters for 12 adolescents, he said that Jeffreys Bay is a caring community where people support upliftment initiatives to build a better tomorrow.
“Jeffreys Bay is a safe town, well known, and offers access to a multitude of wholesome activities and resources. It offers the opportunity to connect with nature right on your doorstep. We have strong community ties and can thus tap into existing initiatives to drive a holistic and supportive programme,” said Van der Watt.
As the only privately-owned adolescent rehabilitation centre in the Eastern Cape, he said they offer a unique recovery programme where they draw from existing therapeutic recovery programmes, and combine this with life skills and an outdoor experiential approach.
Some of the unique elements of the programme include outdoor teambuilding activities, visits to local attractions such as Pabala Private Nature Reserve, and guided nature walks.
“We want the participants to regain a sense of purpose and connection, and help them build a positive sense of self and identity, to develop a strong character, have meaningful interactions, and restore a balanced lifestyle away from the quick and easy pitfalls that they often face,” said Van der Watt.
According to Rise Care’s website, the centre has an attending general practitioner, registered nurse, counsellors, and registered psychologists and occupational therapists from the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
The centre offers treatment for both chemical addiction, which includes the abuse of various substances, and behavioural addiction, such as gaming, gambling, and social media addiction.
Even though the centre is in Jeffreys Bay, it does not only cater for adolescents in the area, but welcomes adolescents from anywhere in the country and worldwide.
For more information visit the Rise Care website on www.risecare.co.za or contact George van der Watt on 064 774 7618.
