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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

We began work in Nyanga, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha 12 years ago, working with Childline. Because we wished to work with a broader client base, we became independent of Childline in 2003 when we registered as a section 21 non-profit organisation as "the COMMUNITY ARTs THERAPY (CATh) programme" (NGO number 2003/011 383/08). We then worked in Hanover Park and Heideveld, as well as Gugulethu and Nyanga. In 2005 we moved into our premises at St Mary's School in Nyanga, which are made of two converted shipping containers. The focus of our work is providing a therapeutic space for marginalised, women and more especially, children. In essence we hope to offer a space where clients can experience empathy, hope and healing, in order to regain a sense of self and wholeness. One of the ways in which this is done, is to offer Art therapy groups. We also offer individual counselling, support groups (including bereavement groups), and After-Schools groups which offer Art, Drama and Story Telling/Reading. We also have a sewing and gardening project - for more details on these and other projects, please go to our Projects pages.

THE PROGRAMME

 The CATh programme began in June 1998. The programme  primarily seeks to provide therapeutic support to individuals and communities who are both marginalised and traumatised by environmental and historically socio-political circumstances. There is a special emphasis on children, who often bear the brunt of dysfunctional families and/or communities who are unable to provide the necessary care and support for them to grow into fully functional adults.  These children are often emotionally numb, and unable to express themselves appropriately, which often results in their getting caught up in the negative cycle of violence and abuse. It is important to break the silence, and so break the cycle – so that it is not repeated.

The programme presently offers Art Therapy groups in various communities, where the children are encouraged to think about and explore their painful circumstances, in a safe and supportive space.  They are encouraged to do this through the making of art images (drawings, paintings) and objects (clay work), which is a safer way in which to express themselves.  By expressing themselves this way, they are in effect externalising some of that pain, and they are literally able to look at it, in more manageable ‘bits’.  They first find a voice through what their artworks communicate, and then, over time, are able to begin sharing verbally about these difficulties – finding their true voice. The use of ‘narrative’ is also encouraged.

When something is ‘named’ and explored in a supportive environment, it becomes less powerful – and one is able to start moving beyond it.  It is the aim of this programme that children start moving away from these negative and destructive cycles, and begin to explore new possibilities, and create new realities for themselves and those around them.  This process begins in the group. Initially they are unable to listen to or respect each other, or even themselves, but after a while they are truly able to provide each other with support, they listen to each other with interest and respect, and encourage each other to think and dream about futures which move beyond what they have until then experienced.

 The group provides a framework in which this can take place.  They are members of this group for up to a year, and in some cases, this is extended.  The groups meet weekly during term time, because of a lack of suitable venue space during the holidays.  The use of the art medium helps this process happen in a less threatening way, as the images and objects initially tell the story, and later help the children to find their own voices. Sessions are 1.5 – 2 hours in duration.

“Focus” groups are sometimes facilitated, where group members are referred with similar issues.  We have had groups where all girls have been raped and/or abused, and it is not appropriate to include boys.  There have also been bereavement groups, where each child had lost a parent, guardian and / or sibling.  Age is also looked at carefully, so children of similar ages can work together.  All these criteria are necessary to ensure that a group can work as effectively as possible.