About

…For Good Hope was started by Claudia Menezes, an Occupational Therapist based in the KZN Midlands.

…For Good Hope was started as a means to fund our Non-Profit Organisation called Thembelihle Centre for CP. Application for the Registration of our NPO was submitted in November 2018 to the Department of Social Development. I then set out to try and fund the NPO; and I knew exactly how to do this!

I firmly believe that one of the most amazing and unique aspects of Occupational Therapy are Assistive Devices; and therapy wouldn’t be complete without considering whether a client would benefit from one. Assistive Devices can successfully provide a balance between optimising and making the most of the abilities that the client already possesses, whilst maximising their independence; and ultimately their quality of life.

After working in the UK, I realised how Assistive Devices play a major role in therapy and caregiving (definitely, first world!); moreso than in South Africa. I struggled to find Assistive Devices in South Africa; and when I did they were imported from companies based overseas. This results in them being very overpriced due to our unfavourable exchange rate, taxes, air freight, import duty, courier charges etc. These obstacles limit the accessibility and availability to many South Africans.

…For Good Hope strives to change that!

We source all raw materials locally, from South African businesses and factories; and we manufacture products either in our in-house studio or in various factories in KZN, depending on the machinery needed. We strive to source the cheapest raw materials as possible whilst not compromising on the quality of the product in order to keep the products affordable. We hope that this little business can solve the barriers that we have faced with purchasing Assistive Devices in the past.

Our goal at …For Good Hope is to provide therapists, schools, teachers, parents, and people with disabilities with high-quality, individualised and affordable equipment, assistive devices, aids, toys and more. Whilst doing so, we aim to provide emotional support, encouragement, professional insights and advice. Through our products, we help Healthcare Professionals/Teachers to succeed and grow in their therapy/teaching respectively as well as for their patients/children to accomplish their treatment goals and objectives efficiently. We also help those with disabilities to reach their full potential and to live comfortably and as independently as possible; often through the provision of an adaptable and supportable environment.

Evidence Based Practice

At …For Good Hope, we aim to utilise the three components of Evidence Based Practice which integrates research and our clinical expertise with patient values. This assists in creating something meaningful which will ultimately lead to improved patient outcome. We strive to design each product according to criteria which will best suit individuals with their particular disabilities/therapeutic needs. In conjunction with Evidence Based Practice, we try and test each product and make relevant adjustments before its’ launch. An Occupational Therapist designs each product with input from other disciplines.

A cactus symbolises endurance; the fact that it has adapted in harsh conditions and conquered. As health practitioners or individuals living with a disability, we too have to adapt and conquer. We have to endure and thrive in harsh conditions, and stay determined to life itself.

We love creating products and seeing them making a difference in individuals’ lives and their independence; whilst adding value to ones’ purpose. Have a look at our Shop for our range of Products.

Thembelihle Centre for CP

At Thembelihle Centre for CP, we will provide equipment and therapy services to children living with Cerebral Palsy in rural areas. Thembelihle is a Zulu word which translates to “good hope”. This word encompasses the potential and prospect for a child with CP. We believe that this can be reached with the help of an accessible and supportive environment that Thembelihle strives to provide.

…For Good Hope donates proceeds from each sale to Thembelihle Centre for CP (Hence the name!). This also allows healthcare practitioners to support a cause in their everyday life, through each purchase made. Each item bought by individuals/ businesses will symbolise their contribution in fighting against the battle that families in rural areas bear in raising a child with Cerebral Palsy in South Africa.

I have a passion for Cerebral Palsy!

I have a passion for rural-based children with Cerebral Palsy who really don’t live in optimal conditions. I’ve come accross devastating realities and I strive to make a small change in years to come.

I have witnessed mothers and grandmothers walk for 90 minutes or more with their child on their back just to get to their nearest Clinic. That’s right, most individuals do not even receive therapy within a Hospital setting. Their nearest hospital is a 90+ minute walk with their child on their back, 3 taxi rides (who refuse the transporation of a buggy/ charge an extra seat) and a 4+ hour long wait away.

If they do have a buggy, they often can’t use it as a means of transportation as it is just not suitable for the rugged terrain. At their nearest clinic, they receive a 20-30 minute multidisciplinary therapy session once a month. They feel this is sufficient because they don’t know any better; they don’t have the knowledge and insight regarding the potential of their child living with Cerebral Palsy. That is only 4-6 hours of therapy for an ENTIRE YEAR.

I felt compelled to do something about this reality…

It all started in a little round cottage in the rolling hills of Donnybrook, KZN; where the seed of my own little Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) was sown. I then went to the UK for a few months where I completed a few more courses on Cerebral Palsy. I also completed a Course on Appropriate Paper-Based Technology by the Founder of Cerebral Palsy Africa. In addition to completing courses, I lived with and cared for a child with Cerebral Palsy. This helped me to better understand the day-to-day aspects of living with Cerebral Palsy.

Upon my return to South Africa, I continued with the planning process of our NPO. I created logos, set out logistics and funding applications, appointed our Board of Directors, attended NPO Planning Workshops and more. We sent our documents to the Department of Social Development in November 2018; we are still waiting patiently (sort of!) for our certificate to arrive.