Program Yonder
Yonder is a centre for adult persons living with an intellectual disability and who are not capable of competing in the open labour market due to:
1. The inability to work at productivity levels required for employment
2. The inappropriate behaviour that could not be accommodated in employment
3. Need for supervision, care, support and assistance
4. Special educational needs not catered for by mainstream training providers and
The centre is a protective workshop and an aftercare centre for adult persons living with an intellectual disability.
Founded in 1966.
This was in response to a dire need within the community for facilities for the care of adult persons living with an intellectual disability. Over the years Yonder has developed into one of the largest and best facilities of this nature. The programme falls under the auspices of the Northern Cape Mental Health Society.
Yonder is situated in the old mining town of De Beers, called Kenilworth just outside of Kimberley. The first houses were built in 1888. Mr Harry Openheimer initially donated the mansion, the residence of the General Manager of De Beers, to the NC Mental Health Society. The house was called “Yonder” as it was situated quite a distance from the other houses.
After many discussions, the whole town was bought from De Beers in 1968. The old mansion “Yonder” has been converted into a hostel (Independent Living for Women) and kitchen for the residents of Yonder.
A most beautiful church is situated in Kenilworth and is still in use on Sundays and for weddings.
The aftercare provides accommodation for 230 residents. They are cared for by developing their vocational skills, life skills, do sport, recreation and other extramural activities.
Accommodation consists of:
- 4 Hostels for men
- 4 Hostels for women
- 1 Independent living facility – Ruimte – for men
- 1 Independent living facility – HO – for women
- 2 Frail care facilities
What our facilities offer
Extramural Activities
We offer a vast range of extramural activities to suit the individuality of the mental health care service users. The extramural activities include the following:
- Talent shows
- Modelling
- Annual Ball
- Valentines dance
- Dances
- Birthday celebrations
- Holiday programmes
- Concerts
- Bible Study
Sport
All mental health service users are encouraged to participate in sports activities to keep fit, active and healthy. Sports coaches are available to train mental health service users the necessary skills and activities. Different sport types undertaken by the service users are the following:
- Soccer
- Cricket
- Netball
- Park run
- Cycling
- Road running
- Boccia
- Athletics
- Paralympics
The Boccia club is a registered club: Kenilworth Boccia Club. The teams take part in various competitions during the year. The Cricket team is a member of the West End Cricket Club and play regular games.
Religious Congregations
Every Sunday.
Wednesday late afternoon.
Social Work Services
Awareness and Prevention
To create an awareness of mental health issues in the community and the services that we render.
Counselling
To equip families with the skills necessary to cope with a member of a family who has a mental disability.
To assist mental health care users to cope with the stresses of daily life.
To assist with access to services, resources and opportunities.
Assist with the administration of grants.
Group work services
To enhance positive relationships
Life skills training to cope with daily stressors.
Community work services
Do exhibitions and disseminate information to raise awareness.
Reach out to communities to build the capacity to respect mental health issues.
Assist family/friends to understand the symptoms of mental health issues and how to deal with them.
Accommodation in Kenilworth
This programme offers accommodation for mental health care service users associated with an intellectual disability. Our target group is mostly people from rural areas who meet the following criteria.
- Persons must be 18 years and not older than 25 years, although we currently have many residents older than 40 years.
- Must be in receipt of a disability grant.
- Relative independence with bathing, feeding, clothing, toilet training and the making of the bed are important.
- He/she must be disciplined as persons with severe behaviour problems disrupt the routine in the hostel.
- Only applications from the Northern Cape will be considered.
We currently accommodate 210 residents.