The event, at the Green Point Urban Park amphitheatre, highlighted the role of those who dedicate their time to improving the quality of life of persons living with disabilities.

The City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development (SD&ECD) Department hosted 120 caregivers from various parts of the metropole – Mamre, Pella, Wesfleur, Ocean View, Mitchells Plain, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Strand, Eerste River, Sarepta, Kuilsriver, Kalkfontein, Parow and Vanguard Estate in celebration of their commitment to care and protection of persons living with disabilities.

The event covered topics like training opportunities for carers and the importance of self-care, which included a yoga and meditation session.

Persons with disabilities is one of the focus areas of the City’s SD&ECD, with numerous programmes offered around safety, healthy living, neglect and abuse, opportunities and services available.

The City is committed to building towards an inclusive society to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

‘The work is ongoing, and while we have made strides, we still have a long battle ahead of us. This year, we decided to put the emphasis on the caregivers, as they play a critical, yet often unseen role in improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. They are at the coalface, providing basic day to day care, but also facilitating access to healthcare, social services and employment opportunities.

‘My message to every carer, whether employed to provide that care, or a relative who is fulfilling the role is that we see you, we value your contribution and we ask that you do not forget to take care of yourself. Very often you are the single resource for a child or adult who is living with a disability, so self-care is incredibly important,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

Source: City Of Cape Town