Open Hands Foundation Wellness Centre:Substance abuse prevention
Eastern Cape
At a glance
Open Hands Foundation Wellness Centre is a community-focused non-profit organisation at 19 Ebony St, Sanctor, Port Elizabeth. Its work centres on health, wellness, substance-abuse prevention and practical support for people facing difficult circumstances. The centre has a compassionate, service-led character, with programmes designed to connect vulnerable children, elderly people and unemployed community members with useful assistance and development opportunities.
Substance-abuse prevention is a central part of the centre’s community work. Support initiatives aim to help children move away from street life and return to education, while promoting awareness of abuse and substance disorders among children and older people. The approach is Christian-based and focused on keeping children in school, strengthening families and encouraging healthier choices.
The wellness programme also includes assistance for elderly people. Health-related support is delivered in conjunction with a general practitioner, qualified nurses and home-care workers, giving the centre a practical community health orientation. The organisation also undertakes homeless outreach and seeks to connect people in need with resources that can help build confidence and independence.
Training is another important part of the centre’s role. Programmes include preparation for an Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary qualification for unemployed people, with the aim of supporting employment and improved service delivery in hospitals. Basic life support training is also part of the centre’s work with scholars and the wider community.
The atmosphere is inclusive and community-minded. The organisation states that assistance is offered without discrimination, and its activities are intended to create opportunities while addressing social and health challenges. As a wellness and substance-abuse prevention centre rather than a food or entertainment venue, the setting suits people seeking community support, health-related guidance, prevention education, care initiatives or skills development. The centre forms part of Port Elizabeth’s community support landscape in the Eastern Cape.
