Supporting Thandanani Centre's baking workshop

Mental health in South Africa is a major challenge, with one in three people likely to experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Yet, despite the growing need for mental health support, access to treatment remains severely limited. Organizations like SADAG and LifeLine provide essential helplines, but more resources are needed to support those facing psychiatric disorders.

This is where Thandanani Centre steps in—a psychiatric rehabilitation facility in Florida, Johannesburg, dedicated to providing care for adults with chronic psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. Since 2001, Thandanani has been more than just a centre—it has been a home, a place of healing, and a vital support system for its 62 residents, many of whom have no family to care for them.

One of the most impactful initiatives at Thandanani is their baking workshop. This program is not just about making bread and pastries; it serves as a therapeutic tool that helps residents regain confidence, develop focus, and find purpose in their daily lives. Baking offers structure, encourages mindfulness, and fosters creativity—key elements in managing mental health challenges.

However, due to rising costs and financial constraints, Thandanani is struggling to sustain this life-changing workshop. The cost of essential baking ingredients and equipment has made it difficult for the program to continue operating at full capacity. Recognizing the importance of this initiative, Hot Cares immediately reached out to Silverstar for assistance.

With a deep commitment to making a difference in the community, Silverstar stepped in without hesitation, generously donating R20,000 worth of materials and equipment to keep the baking workshop running. This support ensures that Thandanani’s residents can continue to benefit from this therapeutic and skill-building activity, giving them hope, stability, and a brighter future.

At Hot Cares, we believe in empowering individuals through meaningful support, and with partners like Silverstar, we are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we are helping Thandanani Centre provide healing, growth, and reintegration opportunities for their residents, proving that a little care can go a long way in transforming lives.