Disability, Sept. 25, 2024, 7:59 a.m.

Bizweni Buzz - Term 3

Author: Admin@adcyxagency.co.za

Explore the latest edition of our Bizweni Buzz newsletter

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate
actions of its members - Coretta Scott King

MANDELA DAY

This year we had an amazing Mandela Day!

Members from the Helderberg Rotary Club & E-Club kindly chose to make and deliver treat packets for our children. They went from class to class, interacting and taking part in table activities. There were many smiles as the children eagerly opened their treat bags and engaged with the volunteers.

We were fortunate to have a class from Bizweni Primary, our neighbours, join us to spend their 67 minutes in Class 4. The timing couldn't have been better, as our Life Skills class was in the midst of preparations for the upcoming High Tea.

The students got down to business making scented soaps and carefully folding gift boxes, putting their skills to work.

The atmosphere was filled with positivity, a true reflection of the spirit of Mandela Day.

SHARING OUR STORY

We couldn't believe our luck when Marilize du Plessis from Helderberg FM 93.6 invited us to speak every Tuesday as part of her Community Builders programme. This platform allows us to connect with a new audience, share the important work we do, and raise awareness about disability in our community. Our ladies are enjoying the chance to step outside of their comfort zones to represent the Centre on live radio.

WOMANS MONTH

On the 17th of August, we hosted our High Tea fundraiser. This year's theme was fashion, giving everyone a great excuse to get glammed up.

The event brought together an incredible group of supporters and friends who gathered to enjoy a morning of great conversation, sweet and savoury delights, and community spirit.

The runway show captivated the room. Lilly Lacock featured her unique designs, along with the amazing work of designers Dasha van Niekerk and Caylin Halford.

Janine Wilson from StyleAddict also delivered an insightful presentation on the latest trends, inspiring guests to elevate their style.

Our ladies got caught up in the excitement of the runway and also took their turn to strut their stuff.

The combination of delicious food, fabulous fashion, and meaningful conversations made this fundraiser a delightful event, bringing people together to support a great cause while celebrating Women's Day.

We are very grateful for all who attended, donated, and made the day truly special!

SHAANE'S GAUL REGATTA

On the 18th of August, sailors from the Gordon's Bay Yacht Club took part in a race in Shane's name.

Romana and Shane Beardmore are long time friends of the Centre, so put us forward to be the beneciary of the regatta. The Yacht Club donated an amazing R5,000 to the Centre!

Debbie was given the opportunity to speak to the Yacht Club members about the programmes and services we offer. It was great to share what we do with a new group of people. After chatting throughout the evening, one realises that nearly every person you speak to has some sort of link to disability.

WE LOVE EXPLORING

Class 4 took a trip out to Canettevallei lavender farm to stimulate their senses. While there they discovered plants used for soap oils, immersed themselves in delightful fragrances, picked lavender, enjoyed a picnic, and played with the friendly dogs there.

Classes 1 & 5 didn't have to go very far to enjoy some one on one time with our local friendly firemen when they visited the Bizweni Campus.

Their visit coincided nicely with the theme the children had been learning about - people who help us in our community.

Class 4 also went shopping at our local Cape Garden Centre to buy seedlings for their garden, then Checkers to shop for boerewors and other South African snacks for the upcoming Heritage Day festivities.

At Bizweni Centre, we love exposing the children to experiences that they wouldn't normally get the chance to experience.

WELCOME BRIDGETTE

A big Bizweni Centre welcome to Bridgette Mohr, our new Occupational Therapist. Bridgette is a mom of two and has worked as an OT in many different settings over the years. She loves nature and going for runs, but spending time with her family is her favourite thing to do.

Bridgette says, "I absolutely love working at the Centre - the smiles that the children greet me with every morning warm my heart and make my days beautiful."

Bridgette is a fantastic addition to our team and we can't wait to see all the great things we will achieve together!

DONATIONS

When the bed in our Life Skills class broke recently, our friends from the Helderberg Rotary Club quickly came to the rescue with a brand new bed! Now our teenagers are able to practice their bed-making skills again.

Class 4 is all about learning how to become more independent at home. Cooking, cleaning, self-care, gardening, soap making...so much fun to be had!

Picture this...a chilly Wednesday morning in July made even more gloomy without electricity. The staff weren't able to have their morning cup of coffee so have started the day on the wrong foot.

Then, out of nowhere, three heroes dressed in blue and black swooped in to save the day with an inverter and a coffee machine!

Shadhna, Mariska, and Shane from Hirsh's brought energy, warmth and a sprinkle of love to the Centre when they treated our staff to delicious cappuccinos that morning.

We appreciated the thoughtful gesture by Hirsh's - our staff felt truly special that day.

SHINE BRIGHT

It's no secret that we think Vicky (our Centre Manager) is amazing. She leads us with so much grace, patience, wisdom and kindness.

In July, Vicky attended a Helderberg Rotary Club meeting where, much to her surprise, she was presented with the prestigious Paul Harris Award in recognition of all her hard work at the Bizweni Centre. Since 2012, Vicky has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of our children and help the Centre evolve.

We couldn't be more proud of her!

A huge thank you to the Helderberg Rotary Club for recognising Vicky's dedication.

THERAPIST'S TIP

Sensory regulation is how we regulate and interpret all our sensory information from the environment.Some children struggle to regulate their sensory systems and this can result in a meltdown, or anunhappy child- which makes for an unhappy household. Our sensory systems include our sense oftouch, taste, smell, sound, hearing and also the two lesser spoke sensory systems - our vestibular andproprioceptive systems. We will discuss the different sensory systems in more detail in futurenewsletters, as knowledge is power and understanding how your child processes sensory input isessential to understanding them better and preventing meltdowns…

So, let's have a look at some sensory strategies that you can use to calm your child down. These are just suggestions, as all our children are different and have different sensory needs and thresholds. You most likely know your child well and can think that perhaps they are sensitive to loud noises, or strange smells. Generally speaking, there are a few strategies that you can try:

• Deep pressure hug- deep pressure is very calming and can help to regulate your child; a deep pressure massage does wonders here as well. Using a nice-smelling cream can add an extra sensory experience.

• Crunchy foods (for those that can chew well) like carrots

• Blowing/sucking activities- blowing bubbles or sipping juice through a straw

• Swinging- backwards and forwards swinging can help regulate the sensory system

• Go outside for a walk - distract, distract, distract

• Having a fidget box, or a sensory space, where your child can fidget with feely toys, or shake a sensory bottle with glitter in oil/water, or use a fidget spinner

• Noise cancelling headphones can help our children with auditory (sound) sensitivity, especially those with Autism. On the other hand, calming music can do the trick for those who are not too sensitive to noise

• Smelling a familiar and calming scent, such as lavender oil, when overwhelmed by other smells or senses in the environment.

• Jumping on a trampoline can help to ground a child and get their energy out! In the same way, an activity such as animal walking, or bouncing on a big ball can do the same.

It is important to find out what specifically works for your child, as there is no "one fit for all" when it comes to sensory regulation.

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