Project 1: Breast Clinic Support

Our Breast Clinic Support initiative aims to empower women in Khayelitsha and surrounding communities by providing them with knowledge about breast health. We believe that informed self-examinations and awareness are crucial for women to take control of their own health and outcomes of medical procedures. Through education, screening, and support, Friends of KDH aims to promote breast awareness, screening, and overall health among the women in our community.

Project 2: Clothing Drive

Many patients arriving at the hospital are facing distressing situations, including injuries from violent incidents, road accidents, and occupational accidents. In some cases, patients may lack clean clothing or have damaged garments, which not only impacts their well-being but also poses challenges for the hospital’s institutional management. Timely discharge is vital for efficient bed occupancy and preventing bed blocking. To address these issues, Friends of KDH ensures a steady supply of clothing for patients who are being discharged, supporting their comfort and aiding in the hospital’s smooth functioning.

Project 3: Project Sunshine

Project Sunshine focuses on the power of human connection to reduce trauma, distress, pain, and discomfort in patients. Our dedicated Sunshine Volunteers offer emotional support and practical care to patients and support hospital staff by ensuring that patients’ basic needs are met. Our trained and screened volunteers adhere to a code of conduct, becoming friendly faces in the ward and providing assistance with basic activities as needed.

Project 4: Back a Birth

Our primary objective is to transform the birthing environment at KDH into a centre of compassionate and skilled care. We aim to achieve this through comprehensive staff training and support, offering assistance to women during labour, and establishing support groups to empower women and mothers who have experienced birth-related trauma.

By supporting the Back a Birth project, you contribute to creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that enhances the well-being and experiences of both patients and healthcare providers.

Mama Taxi: This initiative aims to provide a 24/7 transport service for mothers in labour, ensuring their safe transportation to the hospital. In disadvantaged areas like Khayelitsha, where crime and violence against women are prevalent, many mothers face challenges travelling at night when labour often occurs. By offering this innovative solution, we not only prioritise their safety but also reduce discomfort, distress, and enhance overall patient experiences.

Labour Companions: Research demonstrates that having a known and supportive companion during labour and birth leads to higher satisfaction levels, fewer interventions, and reduced rates of caesarean sections for women. However, family members are often unable to stay with the mother throughout extended periods of labour. With hospital staff often stretched thin and unable to provide continuous care and support, mothers may feel confused, dazed, and scared. Our initiative engages knowledgeable volunteers to offer mental and emotional support to mothers during labour. These labour companions complement the care provided by doctors, midwives, and nurses, reducing patient experiences of trauma and fear.

Birth Memory: Losing a child can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Unfortunately, under-capacitated hospitals often lack sufficient resources to provide support for grieving parents. Friends of KDH aims to offer parents who have lost infants small tokens of their child’s life and memory as they navigate through their grief.

Restore a Midwife Campaign: This initiative focuses on equipping maternity ward staff with the skills and capacity necessary to care for vulnerable individuals. We collaborate with existing midwifery training programs and enlist volunteers with expertise in obstetrics and midwifery to mentor hospital staff. Through ongoing and sustainable training, we aim to enhance knowledge and skills in techniques and good hospital practices that reduce risks to patients and prevent unnecessary suffering. Workshops will be conducted where hospital staff can consult with experts and expand their expertise.

Get involved

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference. Reach out to us via email (info@friendsofkdh.org.za) if you’d like to get involved.  Making a donation will help us make these projects a reality.  We are registered NPC with strict accountability. You can choose to make a once-off donation or set up a recurring monthly payment.