NPC Braai day :)

On the 31st of August, the #rd year students decided to have a braii at NPC. And what an incredible experience it was. This was part of our treatment and our main goal was to allow the service users to have a social event with a group of people, having fun, without the need for alcohol or drugs to enjoy themselves. It was a fantastic afternoon. One of the service users brought out his guitar and strummed and sang a few songs. Many of the service users joined in and the students were entertained by the service users which almost brought me to tears. To see a very different side to these "hard core" men who have had to deal with such great obstacles, was so incredibly heart warming. We were entertained with a rap, with songs, with jokes and some thank you speeches. To say that the morning was a success, was truly refelcted in our minds when not only were the service users hearts touched, but so were ours. They were grateful for the surprise of a braiai and the fact that the students had dug into their own pockets to make it happen. When a group of guys have been subjected to feeling of neglect, negativity, abandonment, a deep longing to be with their loved ones at home... this braiai was able to lift up their spirits and keep them going for the next little while. I think it was also a realisation that we as students, are not there just to get the marks... we're there to help and make a difference. The group emerged that day as stronger than beofre. All hostil;ity and passed fights were forgotten as we all enjoyed each other's company. One service user stood up and said that these group of men are now his brothers. Allowing the oppurtunity for this to be said and comments alike, in a comfortable and relaxed environment, was important for their treatment. I think they can now have a sense of belonging to something more than just their recovery. They are there to help one another. To pick each other up when someone falls. It was an important day. And a successful and motivat8ing one for not only the service users, but for the students too. We have never been more motivated to start up the vocational rehab project. It is so great to have this motivation. This prac has changed my view of OT in so many ways and i am so grateful for it! :)