October is Mental Health Awareness Month globally, and for the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a pivotal role in helping people speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma. As the flagship event of Cape Mental Health since 1994, the Kite Festival creates a space for artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and the public to share their stories of pain, healing, and recovery. Each conversation chips away at the stigma, fostering an environment of non-judgmental and supportive dialogue around mental health.

As Glenn Close once said, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” The Cape Town International Kite Festival embodies this spirit – a celebration of openness and a call for everyone to engage in meaningful discussions around mental health.

The Need for Mental Health Support

Mental health issues are more common than many realize. With the world facing ongoing economic, social, and personal challenges, mental well-being becomes increasingly important. Cape Mental Health aims to provide interventions that restore hope, build resilience, and empower individuals and communities.

This year’s theme, #HopeOnAString, serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience. Just as a kite rises higher despite the fragility of the string that holds it, so do individuals rise above life’s challenges. The festival is more than a celebration of kites; it highlights the importance of early intervention and support for those facing mental health challenges.

Growing Awareness Over 30 Years

Since its inception, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has grown into a global kite-flying phenomenon. The festival now hosts local, national, and international kiters, pop-up kite displays, community flies, EduKite Competitions, entertainment, kite-making workshops, and more. It has become a platform for mental health awareness, encouraging the inclusion of children, youth, and adults with mental disabilities.

The festival has shifted the narrative, empowering attendees to voice their needs and advocate for the protection of mental well-being.

Event Highlights

• Pop-Up Fly Event: Held at Melkbosstrand Beach on Sunday, 27 October 2024, featuring professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, and more.
• Community Fly: On 23 October, the annual fly at Heideveld Sports Field will welcome children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres.
• EduKite Competition: A kite-making and kite-decorating competition for primary schools, including children with special educational needs, with monetary prizes for the winners.

Support the Cape Mental Health BackaBuddy Campaign

Cape Mental Health has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R250,000 in support of its mental health services. Your donation will help provide critical support to vulnerable children and adults in disadvantaged communities. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact.

To contribute, visit the BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/cape-mental-health-kite-festival-2024-fundraiser.

Celebrities Rally Behind the Cause

Several notable South African celebrities are supporting Cape Mental Health’s efforts:

• Majozi – Singer/Songwriter
• Kim Syster – Actress
• Ivor Swartz – Motivational Speaker, Author
• Carl Wastie – Presenter
• Melanie Du Bois – Actress
• Bouwer Bosch – Singer, Actor, Comedian

These celebrities are raising awareness and encouraging donations to help Cape Mental Health continue its mission.

About the Cape Town International Kite Festival

Since 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. This year’s festival marks the 30th anniversary of an event that combines the joy of kiting with the importance of mental wellness.

For more information, visit: www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString.

Connect with Cape Mental Health

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTKiteFest
• Twitter: @CTKiteFest
• Instagram: @CTKiteFest
• Website: www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString

Press Release Submitted By:

• Cape Mental Health
• Contact Person: Zane Groenewald
• Phone: 082 602 0735
• Email: Zane@backabuddy.co.za

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