The Open Circle

04/07/2026

TOP Dogs visited The Open Circle, and we enjoyed such a meaningful and joy-filled session together. 🐾

As part of our current Healthy Food Series, our residents have been learning about different foods and how to group them into categories such as fruits and vegetables, healthy and less healthy options, and “always foods” versus “sometimes foods.”

During this visit, the dogs arrived with their very own snack packs filled with a variety of healthy foods that are safe for dogs to eat. We began the session with a group game of Healthy Foods Bingo, where residents identified the food items, matched them to the pictures on their bingo cards, and then found the same food item in the dogs’ snack box. Once the item was identified, residents had the opportunity to feed it to the dogs.

We do sessions like this because learning is most meaningful when it is practical, engaging, and connected to real-life experiences. By combining healthy food education with animal-assisted activity, residents are supported to develop important skills in a fun and motivating way.

This session encouraged food recognition, categorisation, communication, participation, turn-taking, choice-making, and positive social interaction. Most importantly, it created a safe and joyful space for residents to learn, connect, and experience success.

A big thank you to TOP Dogs - Therapy 🐶 for helping us bring learning to life in such a special way. 🐶💛

22/05/2026

WE ARE HIRING: ENROLLED NURSE

The Open Circle is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Enrolled Nurse to join our team.

The Open Circle is a group home based in Maitland, Cape Town, providing care for adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, dual diagnoses, and challenging behaviour in a less-restrictive, homely environment.

Position: Enrolled Nurse
Shift pattern: 07h00 – 19h00
Starting date: As soon as possible
Location: The Open Circle, Grounds of Alexandra Hospital, Maitland

The successful candidate will act as a shift leader and form part of a multidisciplinary care team supporting 30 adult residents.

Key requirements include:

Registered with the Nursing Council of South Africa
Valid South African driver’s licence
3–5 years’ clinical experience, preferably in disability and/or mental health
Strong communication and leadership skills
Ability to work under pressure
Computer literacy in Microsoft Word

Experience in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, psychiatry, challenging behaviour, and staff supervision will be advantageous.

Applications must include:

Comprehensive CV with 3 contactable references
Certified copy of ID and driver’s licence
Certified copy of Matric certificate, nursing qualification, and SANC registration
1 written reference

Email applications to:
[email protected] / [email protected]

Closing date: Friday, 5 June 2026 at 12h00

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview in person, and The Open Circle is unable to cover any travel-related costs.

We look forward to receiving applications from candidates who are passionate about providing quality care in a meaningful, resident-focused environment.

19/05/2026

Riley’s story was covered in News24 !

See the link below for the full article 😄

A tiny abandoned puppy found starving and flea-ridden in a Cape Town park has become a qualified therapy dog helping adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and psychiatric conditions at The Open Circle residential facility.

11/05/2026

We are so grateful for this amazing partnership! 💛

Thank you for helping us provide the high-quality care we strive for every minute of every day. Your support helps us create a safe, dignified, and nurturing environment for our residents and we are truly thankful.

Pure Legacy Foundation is a registered South African NPO and PBO. We inspire hope and transform lives through grassroots community empowerment, education, and disaster relief.

24/04/2026

20/01/2026

PLEASE SHARE 📢 WE’RE HIRING | PROFESSIONAL NURSE (MANAGEMENT ROLE)

The Open Circle, a specialised group home for adults with Intellectual Disability, Autism and challenging behaviour, is seeking a Professional Nurse to join our management team in Maitland, Cape Town.

🩺 This role includes clinical oversight, staff supervision, medication management, stakeholder liaison, health & safety, and supporting overall facility management in a homely, less-restrictive environment.

📍 Location: Alexandra Hospital Grounds, Maitland
📅 Start date: 1 March 2026 (or as negotiated)
⏰ On-call: Every third weekend

✅ Requirements include SANC registration, 3–5 years clinical experience (disability/mental health), valid driver’s licence, strong leadership and organisational skills.

📨 Applications close: 30 January 2026
Please submit your CV and supporting documents to:
📧 [email protected] | [email protected]

👉 Join a passionate team making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

18/12/2025

In September 2023, our Occupational Therapist started the Therapy Dog journey with Riley. Ever since then, Riley has been quietly showing up, sitting beside anxious hands, offering calm where there was once overwhelm, and bringing smiles that didn’t need words. Somewhere along the way, she became part of our residents’ world.

After months of training and two exams, Riley has now officially graduated as our in-house therapy dog. But to us, she’s been a therapist long before the title.

The impact she’s already made. The comfort, the trust, the gentle regulation is something you can feel when she walks into a room.

So proud of you, Riley 🌻🐾
Thank you for loving our residents the way you do.