The Cape Mental Health Charitable Golf Day was held at Rondebosch Golf Club on Thursday 9 April.
The event brought together 32 players to raise funds and awareness for accessible mental health services in the greater Cape Town area. With eight four-ball teams on the course, the event formed part of ongoing efforts to address gaps in mental healthcare in South Africa.
Mental health gaps remain a national concern
Organisers highlighted that one in four people will need mental health care at some point in their lives.
However, only one in 10 people has access to adequate services. Barriers include affordability, stigma, limited information and challenges with accessibility.
Services offered by Cape Mental Health
Cape Mental Health works to bridge these gaps through a range of services. These include free counselling, psychosocial rehabilitation support groups and ongoing follow-up care. The organisation also provides home visits by social workers and special education services for children with intellectual disabilities. Additional programmes include skills training workshops and learnership opportunities. These initiatives aim to promote independence and social inclusion for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The organisation additionally focuses on education and advocacy. It provides accessible mental health information to communities. Its Access to Justice programme supports persons with intellectual disabilities who need assistance navigating the court system.
Golf day supports ongoing fundraising efforts
The golf day is one of Cape Mental Health’s key fundraising initiatives. It combines sport with community engagement while generating funds for ongoing programmes.
Sponsors included Agency 7, Rondebosch Golf Club, RGC Chiropractic Health Centre, Amajoya, Wine Concepts, Lentheric (London-Paris), Coca-Cola, The Galileo Open Air Cinema, Mozambik, Pirates Restaurant and Pub, Tafelberg Furnitures, Yardley London and The Taj Cape Town.
Organisers thank supporters and sponsors
Ridhwaan Moola, manager of the donor development department at Cape Mental Health, said the turnout for the event was excellent which reflected strong community support and would help raise both awareness and funds for mental health initiatives.
Moola added that the event reinforced the importance of community involvement in mental well-being.
He thanked players, especially returning participants, for their continued support and encouraged more people to get involved in future events. As the organisation expands access to mental health care, this involvement becomes vital.
