The Muizenberg Improvement District (MID) has contracted a dedicated team –  a professional social worker and two field workers – to strengthen resources and referral networks for street people, child day strollers and the homeless.

The role of the social service team is to engage and record the needs of  street people in order to assist them with access to the necessary services. In this way the MID can offer strategic support and implementation of a workable protocol for social development which is one of four mandated top-up services an improvement district should provide.  With a dedicated, professional social support team, the MID is now better placed to synergise implementation strategies with the neighbouring Kalk Bay St James SRA (Special Rating Area). Additionally, the MID will be able to work more collaboratively with City and Provincial departments and hold them to account for their service delivery in the Far South.

Social Worker, Marion Thomas is contracted to both the MID and the Kalk Bay St James SRA and offers weekly Social Support Clinic sessions in both areas.

chevone-petersen-marion-thomas-rudi-eksteen-low-res

Marion Thomas, Social worker in the Muizenberg Improvement District (MID) pictured at the weekly social  support clinic discussing a case with MID Manager Chevone Petersen and Rudi Eksteen,  Fieldwork Supervisor, City of Cape Town Street People Programme.

The Muizenberg Social Support Clinic runs on a Tuesday from 9:00 – 13:00. It is  a safe, private space within the Clinic building in Atlantic Road.

Those who want assistance to get off the street can come for counselling and practical help with any social issues. Marion also provides assistance with inquiries about how to  access social services like applications for social grants and IDs, referrals to shelters and opportunities for employment.

While the focus is on assisting street people, all residents can make use of the clinic services which extend to any social issue, for example child protection, elderly care or substance abuse.  No appointment is necessary as the clinic sessions run on a first come, first served basis.

The MID promotes responsible giving and understands that there are many residents who want to do something tangible to assist. There are a range of ways you can be involved. For example, you can sponsor a person who needs an ID from Home Affairs or help transfer clients to shelters. Please contact Marion Thomas if you want to help in ways like these.

You can sms Marion Thomas on 076 236 4326 or email  socialwork@mid.org.za.

 

Issued by Lesley Schroeder, Stakeholder Engagement Director, MID

About MID

The Muizenberg Improvement District (MID) is a geographic area where property owners have contracted to pay a levy to facilitate a joint effort by the City of Cape Town and the local community to ensure more effective management of public areas and promote business confidence. The Muizenberg Improvement District is a legal not-for-profit company under the City’s Special Rating Areas by-law and also governed by the South African Companies Act 2008.

It is within this governance framework that the MID implements its mandate. This is driven by collaboration and the provision of top-up services in four distinct but integrally related areas of cleaning, environmental upliftment, social development and public safety.

The MID collaborates with city and provincial departments, state owned entities, NGOs and a wide range of residents and business people to improve Muizenberg. Improving means ‘adding to’ not taking away the responsibility for services. Therefore the MID provides strategic direction and puts focused pressure on City and Government agencies whose job it is to police and deliver services.

Enquiries: Chevone Petersen manager@mid.org.za   Cell: 082 463 1525

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