| Matrix® graduation marks continued success | Matrix® graduation marks continued success | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/How%20Drugs%20And%20Alcohol%20Affect%20You%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>More than 700 clients accessed the City of Cape Town’s substance abuse programme during the first quarter of 2023. Earlier today 23 participants, who participated in the Matrix® programme, received certificates at a ceremony in Town 2, Khayelitsha. <br></p> | <p></p><span><p>'Alcohol and drug abuse impact our communities on all levels and we are slowly making inroads in the fight against this scourge. Even as we celebrate the success of those who have participated in the programme, we are mindful that the battle continues,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.</p><p>During the period 1 January to 31 March 2023, the substance abuse unit recorded the following interventions:</p><ul><li>711 clients accessed the alcohol and drug treatment service, </li><li>85 % clean drug test rate for clients in the programme, </li><li>70 clients completed one month in the programme, 33 completed a four-month programme and 11 completed a shortened programme according to their treatment plan</li><li>Ongoing referrals to the programme for clients living in shelters were received,</li><li>Regular outreaches to market the service within the community, </li><li>Ladies attending a women's group are being taught to crochet, knit, sew clothing and cook,</li><li>Three clients were employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme.<br></li></ul>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/graduates%20at%20the%20event15.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:2137px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Transversal programmes with other City Departments continued such as digital literacy training, storytelling and performing arts, and other workshops, excursions and sessions.</p><p> </p><p>'I applaud the tenacity of those who graduate today and others who have stepped forward to change their lives. Challenges such as gang violence in some areas and the lack of transport impacts many from accessing services, but despite this, they are making the effort. The success stories speak to the difference made in their lives,' said Councillor Van der Ross. <br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/MAYCO%20patr15.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1615px;" /> </figure></span><p style="text-align:justify;">Some individual client success stories: </p><ul><li>Client M is a 33-year-old woman who was referred to Matrix® by an external social worker, as she was using tik and dagga. She attended all her group and individual sessions and was recently employed full time </li><li>Another client who completed the Matrix® programme in April 2022, continues to attend group sessions for ongoing support. She has been accepted to pursue her dream of studying social work at UNISA,</li><li>Another client was accepted to study IT at Walter Sisulu University</li><li>A 45-year-old man from Tafelsig is more than 130 days sober. He completed the full programme and family relationships have improved</li><li>A 67-year-old male client diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome caused by his alcohol abuse successfully completed the programme and is 69 days sober</li></ul><p> </p><p>'Overcoming addiction is not easy, but it is possible. The City's Health Department is doing what it can at the eight substance abuse treatment sites. I want to encourage those in the grips of addiction, to seek help before it further destroys lives and communities,' added Councillor Van der Ross.</p><p> </p><p>The substance abuse programme is available to walk-in clients who are able to enter the programme immediately after a professional assessment and drug and alcohol screening.</p><p> </p><p>It is available at the following sites: Tafelsig, Eerste River, Town 2 Khayelitsha, Ruimte Road, Scottsdene; Parkwood; Delft South and Albow Gardens. </p><p>Based on the Matrix® model, treatment consists of three to four sessions a week, which involve counselling sessions with or without family members, an early recovery group which focuses on skills that will help clients stay clean and sober, a relapse prevention group which focuses on living without alcohol and drugs, a family education group which teaches clients and their families about the process of recovery; and a social support group involving regular meetings with others struggling with substance abuse.</p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p> </p><p><br></p> | 2023-06-14T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#8a4b9ef0-0abd-4811-a93e-43b5fd20f3cb;L0|#08a4b9ef0-0abd-4811-a93e-43b5fd20f3cb|Substance Abuse;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#bf0774d4-a685-4a96-a711-2dc1fddccd46;L0|#0bf0774d4-a685-4a96-a711-2dc1fddccd46|workshops;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#e1a5b1a6-9b2b-4790-96ce-f3405c541ea3;L0|#0e1a5b1a6-9b2b-4790-96ce-f3405c541ea3|community;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
