Recently, City Health acknowledged the efforts of dozens of persons in recovery, who completed various facets of the Matrix substance abuse programme in spite of the challenges presented by the national lockdown.
The City’s eight substance abuse treatment centres were able to keep the physical and virtual doors open through all phases of the national lockdown, offering a lifeline to many existing and new clients.
As the programme resides within City Health, it was deemed an essential service and thus became the only alcohol and drug treatment programme operational in the metropole during the hard lockdown.
The sites are located within, or adjacent to City clinics in Albow Gardens (Brooklyn), Delft South, Eersteriver, Parkwood, Manenberg, Scottsdene, Tafelsig and Town 2, Khayelitsha.
‘These have been unusual times that have necessitated a different way of rendering services under the lockdown restrictions, including emailing session material to clients; creating WhatsApp groups; dropping materials at shelters in order for the counselling session to take place telephonically, and also incorporating COVID-19 messaging into the counselling sessions.
‘I want to commend both the staff and clients who continued to show up, in spite of the very real health risks posed by the pandemic. It speaks to a level of dedication and commitment to sobriety that should be applauded and will hopefully inspire others to take on the journey,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Traditionally, the Matrix® sites celebrate the achievements of clients and their families at graduation ceremonies.
While many of these ceremonies have been scuppered by COVID-19, the Parkwood and Albow Gardens facilities recently hosted their events.
A total of 66 clients received certificates for completing one month in the programme; 49 clients received certificates for completing the full programme; 14 received certificates for participating in an Art Therapy programme and nine were commended for completing a digital literacy course.
‘The graduation ceremonies acknowledge the investment that the individuals and families on the programme have made, but also the collaboration between various City departments like IS&T, Arts and Culture, the Street People Programme within the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department, and external partners such as the Haven and U-Turn, who render services to street people – many of whom partake in the Matrix programme as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
Among the success stories:
- A few clients were living on the street, and upon entering shelters, were referred to the Matrix® programme. They have completed the programme, and have now been employed in the spaces where they’ve found accommodation. Some are also employed as EPWP workers within the clinics. One client has decided to reunite with his mom, whom he has not seen in 15 years.
- One client had defaulted on Antiretroviral treatment, but upon joining the substance abuse programme, also accessed health services and is back on treatment. Access to additional health services is one of the benefits for those attending the Matrix® programme
- Another client decided to join the programme with his wife, after 20 years of addiction. The wife was referred by a social worker. The couple’s children had been placed in foster care. He has successfully completed the programme and is taking on the role of being a father, husband and a brother to his family.
‘These are some of the many stories of recovery; changed lives; restored dignity; responsible adults contributing meaningfully to society once again after many years of battling with addiction and broken relationships. We salute the work being done at the Matrix® sites and the dedication of the staff to make a difference during challenging times,’ said Councillor Badroodien.