Painting with purpose: Youth Zone healthcare facility opens in Bellville South

Painting with purpose: New Youth Zone healthcare facility opens in Bellville South 

The Bellville South Community Day Centre (CDC) has officially opened a dedicated adolescent and youth friendly clinic (youth zone), marking a new chapter in accessible healthcare for all young people in the community.

The launch kicked off with a showcase of local talent from participating schools and inspiring talks by youth at the community hall, where young performers took centre stage and showcased their unique skills and passions.

Following the talent showcase, learners, their teachers and healthcare workers gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the youth clinic, based on the grounds of the CDC. Thanks to Love Life, a mural was also painted outside of the clinic by artist Bernard Greybe.

Young people were invited to participate in a special activity and spray painted art on the walls inside their new clinic. This hands-on experience allowed them to leave their mark and take ownership of the space.

The Bellville South CDC aims to be more than just a healthcare facility; it's envisioned as a safe haven where young people can access confidential and youth-friendly services tailored to their needs. From reproductive health to mental wellness, the clinic offers a range of services aimed at promoting the holistic well-being of its young visitors.

“We're excited to open our doors and provide a welcoming space for the youth of Bellville. This new clinic is on our clinic grounds, but outside of the main clinic and close to the entrance which allows youth to access care easily and safely," said facility manager, Sr Caty May.  “Our goal is to create an environment where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to prioritise their health. We want to help you access the healthcare that you need. Many of the topics were addressed were taboo, but today, more and more people are speaking about healthcare that youth need. We encourage all youth to spread the word on our new clinic and to please share feedback with us on how you want to receive care, your feedback matters to us because your health matters to us.”

The launch event concluded with a cake cutting ceremony and youth received goody bags and flyers to help them make informed decisions about their health.

The event would not be possible without the support from various stakeholders and the participating schools. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to our local schools and healthcare partners for their support in the launch of our youth clinic. We thank Kasselsvlei High School, Bellville South High School, Goeie Hoop Primary School and Bellville South Primary School for attending; and our local partners Anova, the DREAMS Initiative, Western Cape on Wellness (WoW), Love Life and the City of Cape Town for their support to make this day extra special for our young people,” said Shimoney Regter, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness communications officer in the Northern and Tygerberg District.

How to access care

Young people can access FREE healthcare services from the clinic on dedicated days from 14:00 to 16:00.

Mondays: Mental wellness support (this includes counselling for anxiety and dealing with stress or trauma).

Tuesdays and Fridays: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health counselling and services.

All services are confidential, and you don’t need to make an appointment. This means that your personal and health information are protected. For questions, reach out to our Bellville South facility manager, Sr Caty May, call 021 833 0270 or e-mail: caty.may@westerncape.gov.za