Empowering Parents and Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng

Utilising a unique “Carer-2-Carer” model, Parent Facilitators provided hands-on therapy training and workshops to help caregivers manage CP effectively at home. The project included regular home visits to monitor progress, multi-disciplinary clinic sessions in partnership with local 2 hospitals, and the provision of nutritional food parcels and hygiene supplies for the most vulnerable female-headed households. 136 children were reached through home visits, 107 children through clinic sessions, and 135 parents and caregivers were assisted and 2 Parent Facilitators were trained (PF). The project established a formal partnership with Tambo Memorial Hospital to integrate therapy services and collaborated with partners like MetroFM and Gift of the Givers to secure additional resources, such as wheelchairs and grocery packs, for beneficiaries. The initiative has been highly effective in transforming feelings of isolation and hopelessness among caregivers into pride and confidence, while significantly improving the physical function and comfort of the children served.