31/07/2026
Community- based mental health care in the spotlight at CCAB’s AGM
Cape Town, 24 July 2026 – The Cape Consumer Advocacy Body (CCAB), a peer-led advocacy initiative supported by Cape Mental Health, hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 July at the Observatory Community Centre. The event brought together mental health care users, advocates, service providers and community members to promote their rights, inclusion and empowerment of people living with psychosocial disabilities.
Held during Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month, the AGM embraced this year's theme, "From Institution to Inclusion: The Importance of Community-based Mental Health Care." The theme highlights the need to move away from institutional care towards services that enable people to live independently, participate fully in society and access support within their own communities.
In his annual report, CCAB Chairperson, Dylan Rademeyer, reflected on the advocacy body’s achievements over the past year. These included campaigning for equal access to the Dial-a-Ride transport service for people with psychosocial disabilities, engaging government departments on barriers to mental health and social services, and empowering members through advocacy training, peer support and awareness initiatives. He also thanked the outgoing Executive Committee and members for their dedication to advancing the rights of mental health care users across the Western Cape.
The keynote address was delivered by Judy Strickland, Founder and Director of Hope House Counselling Centre, who encouraged delegates to rethink mental health recovery. She emphasised that recovery is about much more than managing symptoms; it is about helping people rebuild meaningful lives through relationships, employment, education, independence and community participation. She also called on families, employers, healthcare professionals and communities to work together to reduce stigma and create environments where everyone can belong.
The AGM reaffirmed CCAB's commitment to ensuring that people living with psychosocial disabilities are recognised for their strengths, abilities and contributions rather than their diagnoses. Through advocacy, peer support and community engagement, CCAB continues to champion inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose and hope.
