No more stigma

Celebrating recovery from addiction & mental illness in all its forms.
join us for recovery walk cape town's 10th recovery walk!
28 september 2024 @ lentegeur psychiatric hospital mitchells plain

Cape Town Recovery Walk celebrates recovery from addiction & other mental
illnesses with an annual awareness-raising event

Recovery Walk Cape Town is a celebration of recovery from addiction and mental illness. It offers a supportive space for individuals in recovery and their allies to share their stories and resources, inspiring others to embrace a life of recovery in all its forms.

In addition to a symbolic walk through the streets of Cape Town, attendees of this event can also enjoy an array of activities such as guest speeches, open mic sessions, sports, and creative workshops. It is inclusive, sober and free-to-attend.

Held annually in September, a month globally dedicated to celebrating recovery, Recovery Walk Cape Town provides access to recovery networks, support, and resources. We celebrate recovery in all its different forms, acknowledge a diversity of recovery solutions, and counter the shame and stigma that is usually associated with addiction and mental illness.

Whether you are in recovery yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who works in the field or a compassionate advocate, your presence and support will make a difference. Walk with us, side by side, united in our commitment to recovery.

The Recovery Walk is a not-for-profit organisation (193-592 NPO), run by volunteers and our impact hinges solely on the generosity of donors. Visit our BackaBuddy to make a donation: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rwct-fundraiser

recovery walk cape town

WE CELEBRATE

We celebrate that recovery from addiction and mental illness is a lived reality in many peoples’ lives in South Africa and throughout the world. Mental illness and addiction does not discriminate. 

This is illustrated by the statistic that approximately 13.3 percent of South Africans meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder (Herman et al., 2009).

WE SHOW SOLUTIONS

At this event we show that we are real people who have found a diversity of recovery solutions. Help is out there for those who need it and it comes in different forms. The Recovery Walk connects those in need of help with existing resources and support that they might not be aware of or usually have access to.

WE CHANGE PERCEPTION

We counter the shame and stigma that is rife in our communities. We challenge any public attempt to dehumanise, objectify and demonise people living with mental illnesses, including alcoholism and other addictions. The more we share our stories, the less stigmatised they become.

WE PROVIDE SUPPORT

We celebrate our own and others’ recoveries. We acknowledge those who work in the prevention, treatment and recovery fields. There are incredible organisations, individuals and community networks doing great work locally in this area. We show our solidarity with international recovery movements.

REFERENCES 

Herman, A. A., Stein, D. J., Seedat, S., Heeringa, S. G., Moomal, H., & Williams, D. R. (2009). The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders. South African medical journal, 99(5).

Why participate?

 You want to attend a public, alcohol and drug-free, inclusive recovery event. 

 You are in recovery. 

 You are supportive of recovery. 

 You are seeking recovery.   

You want to share your recovery.

You want to celebrate recovery.

You are interested in mental health. 

You work in the field of mental health. 

You realise addiction and mental illness affects us all. 


You know someone in recovery. 

You want to be part of a growing recovery community.

You want to challenge the stigma. 

You seek new ways to connect with the community in a sober, meaningful way.

You want to support a positive, inclusive mental health cause.

Fundraising

Donate through:

BackABuddy

Email us:

 recoverywalkcapetown@gmail.com

Get involved - volunteer - donate

donate

volunteer

hire a stall

By donating to the Annual Recovery Walk, you will contribute directly to our mission of supporting individuals on their journey to wellness.

The Recovery Walk is a not-for-profit organisation (193-592 NPO.) All committee members are volunteers and no paid staff are employed. Your donation will assist us with the cost of running this year’s event. We have a BackaBuddy campaign. 

Please click on the link to make a donation Recovery Walk Cape Town: Champion Page | BackaBuddy

The Recovery Walk is an inclusive, alcohol and drug free, recovery event. We invite individuals, organisations, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and groups to participate.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at recoverywalkcapetown@gmail.com.

Whether you are in recovery yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who works in the field or an ally, your presence and support will make a difference. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery, offering a platform to share stories, inspire others, and build a community that embraces and celebrates recovery.

Please let us know if you would like to offer an activity or have a stall – contact us on recoverywalkcapetown@gmail.com as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you would be interested in hiring a stall please contact us at recoverywalkcapetown@gmail.com.

We invite organisations, rehabs, hospitals and groups to participate.

The day of the Recovery Walk allows us to show our communities that recovery is an available resource.