Strengthening Families programme solidifies household relationships

05 December 2024

The City’s Community, Arts & Culture Development Department has guided 133 families through its eight-week Strengthening Families programme in the last five months. Last week, 51 families celebrated their graduation from the programme.

The most recent batch of graduates are from Blackheath, Masibambane, Athlone, Lansdowne, Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein and Atlantis.

The Strengthening Families programme is internationally recognised. It aims to have both parents and children recognise the value of familial relationships and thereby improving the home environment.

There are 10 sessions over a period of eight weeks that focus on family relationships, dealing with stress, and helping children to unlock their potential by setting goals and dreams, and to make good life choices.
‘The pressure on families is immense and while this programme aims to strengthen the relationships in the home, its impact resonates into the future. Children who come from strong families are less likely to fall into addiction or illegal activities.

‘The benefits stack up to include the enhanced emotional health of the family, improved self-confidence and academic performance and the resolution of conflict,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Last week, 51 families from Imizamo Yethu, Tafelsig and Ocean View celebrated the completion of the programme.

At the Ocean View session, a few moms who had completed the programme a decade ago, returned for a refresher course with their younger children, as they had found value in the time spent and the difference it made to the child and their relationship.

‘When parents and children attend together, it’s life changing for both. Family meetings are instituted for those in the household and it positively improves communication. Many parents mentioned that their new calm approach, and other tools, were beneficial in dealing with all the children in the house. Older siblings, although not part of the programme, also benefited from the new parental approach,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.

Strengthening families is part of the City’s basket of services directed at addressing substance abuse.

For more information on addiction, support and treatment centres, call the city’s toll-free alcohol and drug helplineon 0800 43574 8 (0800 HELP 4 U).

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office