Mother & Baby Support Group

The “1st Thousand days”

Our registered nurse/midwife and Community Health Nurse, Louette Maccallum and an assistant Health Care Worker, run antenatal classes for pregnant women and teenagers, as well as a vibrant mom and baby support group.

These programs fall under the “1st Thousand Days” period i.e. from conception to 2 years old, when the foundations of optimum health and development across the lifespan are established. The right nutrition and care will influence whether the child will survive, their ability to grow and learn, and rise out of poverty. (UNICEF 1st Thousand Days).

Both programs are run weekly, with the pre-natal classes running over 8 weeks. Pregnant women who attend at least 6 of 8 classes are given a bucket of mother and baby toiletries, maternity pads, baby clothes, nappies, blankets and other goods knitted and donated by Thula Baba and the Knitwits from Tokai Methodist Church and team.

Senior & Elderly Care

Holistic Clinic for the elderly

A Medical Doctor is available for weekly consultations, and a nurse and health carer conduct screenings, blood pressures, blood sugars, weight and footcare for diabetics. A social work student, physiotherapist, and a counsellor are also available as part of a holistic team of carers. Transport is offered in the event of emergencies, and to the day hospitals for appointments. Home based care is arranged for those in need. 

A partnership with the University of Cape Town has been established whereby social work students do their practical work at Westlake. This is a great collaboration with the students who offer a listening ear to those elderly residents without companionship, whilst at the same time helping the students to hone their listening skills.