In celebrating Women’s Month, the CCID spoke to female leaders in government, business and civic society in the Central City. We published some of their comments in the Winter 2016 issue of City Views. Here is a Q&A with Karen Cain, social worker at The Carpenter’s Shop. Stay tuned throughout August to meet more wonder women of the Cape Town CBD.
How long have you been doing this and why do you do it?
I started working with street people when my daughter was three years old, and she turned 26 in May this year. I was asked if I wanted to relieve a social worker working at The Haven in Claremont for three months while she went on maternity leave and when she decided not to return I stayed on. I began working at The Carpenter’s Shop in February 2013.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Definitely seeing the effects of substance abuse on people. Knowing that they are going to end up in prison or something else just as bad and seeing the effect this has on those close to them. Mothers who come to The Carpenter’s Shop desperate that their child stops his or her addiction. Seeing some of the clients in the shelter in denial about their substance use, even though they have just been discharged from a rehab centre. Heroin addiction for me is the worst type.
What would you still want to happen here in the CBD that would assist The Carpenter’s Shop?
We are always in need of toiletries, and blankets, beanies and socks. I would like for the public to be sensitive when donating clothing. Too often we receive donations of clothing in very large sizes. Most of the street people are no bigger than a size 32 or 34.
Although we have the weekly clinic (where street people have their blood pressure taken, and are tested for diabetes, HIV and TB), we would really like to have a specialised psychiatric clinic as there are many street people suffering from undiagnosed psychiatric disorders and not on medication.
If you had a lunch hour to spare how you would spend it in the CBD?
I would have a game of table tennis with some of the residents at the shelter (and I do for 15 minutes!). I would then pick up my crocheting, walk to The Company’s Garden, find a spot near the rose garden and crochet away.
The Carpenter's Shop
14a Roeland St
www.thecarpentersshop.org.za
021 461 5508