January 26, 2026 – WPDI’s psychosocial well-being team, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, hosted the Community Empowerment Health & Wellness Career Development Day, an initiative that brought 60 Bridgetown residents together for a day dedicated to learning, healing, and community connection. With support from the RCS group and BNP Paribas, the event provided a space where individuals could access essential health services, explore educational opportunities, and connect with organizations committed to their well-being.
The day opened with free HIV testing and counseling, a service that many participants had known they needed but hesitated to seek out. For many, the experience turned out to be transformative. One woman shared, “The HIV testing and counseling service helped me face something I had been avoiding for a long time. The counsellor was kind and patient, and I left feeling relieved, informed and more confident about looking after my health.” Her reflection echoed the courage and relief felt by many of the others who took this important step.
Young people gravitated toward the education and career tables, where universities offered brochures and spoke directly with attendees about course options, applications, and funding. The guidance was accessible and inspiring. As one youth participant, Sam explained, “I really appreciated the career and study information. The universities and colleges gave us brochures and answered questions about courses and funding. For the first time, I feel like furthering my studies is actually possible.”
A range of service providers enriched the experience by addressing the broader needs of the community. The Western Cape Fire Department and Athlone SAPS engaged residents in discussions about safety, emergency response, and crime prevention. Akeso, a mental healthcare provider, and Ramot, a substance-abuse treatment organisation, shared insights on mental health and addictions. Their presence struck a powerful chord with participants. “The mental health and substance abuse information from Akeso and Ramot spoke directly to what many of us are going through,” shared a community member. “Knowing where to get help, and seeing so many organizations working together for Bridgetown, made me feel hopeful about our community’s future.”
Additional support from the City of Cape Town’s Silvertown Clinic, St Anne’s Homes, Café Cuba, Pick’n Pay Athlone, and the Bridgetown Community Neighbourhood Watch helped ensure the event was safe, welcoming, and community-centered.Together, these partners created an atmosphere of care and empowerment, one where residents could gain information, ask questions openly, and leave with a renewed sense of possibility.
At its core, the day was about the kind of safety that allows people to speak honestly, seek help, and imagine change without fear. In creating that space, WPDI helped individuals reconnect with their own resilience, reminding the community that healing and opportunity often begin where people feel seen and supported.
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