Following a long wait, the Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre has installed a giant outdoor chessboard.
The chessboard was installed to help those being treated for substance abuse, as a relapse can be triggered by unproductive free time. Spokesperson for Rand Aid, Cathy Grosvenor said, “The occupational therapy department at Wedge Gardens strives to instil balance within the lives of the patients at the rehabilitation facility by stressing that through meaningful occupational engagement.”
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Head of the occupational therapy (OT) at the treatment centre, Kendra Neethling said, “Not only is the chessboard a space for the gentlemen to learn to use their time in a productive manner, but it is an area at Wedge Gardens where they can learn social and cognitive skills.
“A chessboard is a fantastic mechanism to promote cognitive skills such as concentration and attention, memory, problem-solving, judgement and executive tasks. Furthermore, as the game requires at least two players, the patients at Wedge are exposed to social interaction, which aids communication and conflict management skills.”
The project to acquire the chessboard involved the patients who assisted in the planning, construction and procurement of donations. Neethling said, “I am exceptionally proud of my patients and the work they have done to complete another OT project. Through encouraging the proactive use of the facilities at Wedge Gardens, we are equipping our patients with skills for reintegration into society, which is fundamental to any recovery programme.
“Our thanks go to Rand Aid CEO Rae Brown and the Rand Aid Association, groundsman George Vermeulen and his team, as well as the patients at Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre.”
Details: www.randaid.co.za
