For the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Cape Mental Health’s signature event, has been spreading #HopeOnAString. Every October, vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky, raising mental health awareness.
The sky transforms into a bright canvas, symbolizing the freedom, creativity, and joy that come with mental well-being—a celebration shared by families, friends, and communities. Each pull of the string is a reminder of our inner strength and resilience. Together, we can uplift one another and fill the world with the vibrant colors of hope and possibility.
This October, join Cape Mental Health at the Cape Town International Kite Festival to support raising funds that drive their essential mission of offering free mental healthcare services and interventions to those in greatest need. By investing in children and youth, we build a foundation for the prevention of mental health disorders, empowering young people to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams without barriers.
“We live in challenging and difficult times. Many economic and dire social conditions impact on our mental well-being as we navigate storms and adverse conditions. It is in these times that we direct our sails to provide mental health interventions that invest in lives and give back hope, build and strengthen resilience and empower individuals and communities.” explains Dr Ingrid Daniels (the CEO of Cape Mental Health). ‘
“Despite the fragility of the string, it allows the kite to fly higher and higher, rising above the circumstances that life throws our way. #HopeOnAString brings a message of hope, potential and encouragement.” she says.
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Over the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has evolved from a small, one-day gathering into a global event featuring local, national, and international kite flyers. The festival now includes pop-up flies, community flights, Edukite Competitions, kite-making workshops, and generates over R5 million in mental health media exposure and awareness.
As the festival expanded, new elements were introduced to enhance its appeal and provide more opportunities for raising mental health awareness, with a focus on inclusion and integration for children, youth, and adults with mental disabilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the event adapted to ensure it could continue, albeit in a different format. Dr. Daniels explains that the central goal each year is to choose a theme that drives the extensive mental health awareness and promotion campaign, ultimately paving the way for early intervention and mental health support.
“It is the opportunity to ensure that the conversations regarding mental health are normalised.” explains Dr Daniels.
More info about the Cape Town International Kite Festival 2024
The Cape Town International Kite Festival’s annual Pop-Up Fly Event will be held at Melkbosstrand Beach on Sunday, 27 October, showcasing the talents of local professional kiters like Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, and others—along with a few international surprises! Join in and marvel at their spectacular show-kites as they raise awareness for mental health.
For the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a vital role in creating a space where people can openly discuss mental health without fear of stigma.
The event brings together artists, mental health ambassadors, staff, care users, volunteers, and the community to share stories of pain, healing, and recovery.
Each meaningful conversation helps break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. The Cape Town International Kite Festival serves as a powerful platform for reducing stigma and fostering open, non-judgmental discussions.
In line with Cape Mental Health’s mission to uplift underprivileged communities and support marginalized individuals, the Cape Town International Kite Festival will once again host its annual Community Fly at Heideveld Sports Field on the Cape Flats in October 2024. Cape Mental Health invites children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres in Heideveld, Khayelitsha, and Mitchells Plain, along with Grade R learners and preschools from the Heideveld community, to join in the fun at the community fly.
The festival will also feature its EduKite Competition—a kite-making and decorating contest for learners from mainstream primary schools and schools for children with special educational needs, with cash prizes awarded to the winning teams.
Let your kite soar to new heights, capture those magical moments in photos and videos, and help spread messages of inspiration for mental health awareness this October. Share your kite-flying adventure by tagging #HopeOnAString and @CTKiteFest for a chance to be featured on the official CTKiteFest social media channels.
Visit the CTKiteFest website for captivating content, including a range of activities, and embark on a virtual journey to spark creativity and deepen your appreciation for the art of kite flying.
Watch this space for updates in the Events category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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