How Helping Others Helps You Heal 🐴

At Imani Treatment Centre for Eating Disorders, we know that recovery is about more than therapy sessions — it’s about building a life worth living. One way we support clients in the later phases of treatment is by encouraging volunteering as part of recovery.

Recently, one of our clients began volunteering at SARDA Cape Town (South African Riding for the Disabled Association) 🐴. SARDA offers free equine therapy in Cape Town, helping children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities improve strength, balance, and confidence — all through the healing power of horse riding.

“Being at SARDA reminds me how much meaning can be found in showing up for others. Seeing the children’s faces light up with a smile when they ride the horses gives me a sense of belonging and it fills me with hope and encouragement for my own journey too.” – Renske Velner, Imani client

Volunteer work allows clients to shift focus outward, build confidence, and reconnect with purpose. This step is often deeply empowering, reminding clients that they have value to offer beyond their eating disorder and that they can play a positive role in their community.

Including volunteer work in eating disorder recovery can be an important step in emotional and psychological growth. It offers structure, routine, and a chance to experience connection — all vital elements in sustaining recovery long-term.

At Imani, we believe in a holistic approach to eating disorder treatment that includes therapy, nutrition support, community connection, and life skills. Volunteering helps bridge the gap between treatment and independent living, giving clients tools they can take with them well beyond our programme.

Special thank you to Elijah Cottle for letting us feature him. Elijah is a true inspiration to many. Follow his journey fighting Acute Flaccid Myelitis on Instagram @elijah.cottle #elijahwillwalkagain

📍 Learn more about SARDA’s incredible work here: sarda.co.za
📞 To find out more about Imani’s eating disorder treatment programmes in Cape Town: +27(21) 761-0740

#ImaniTreatmentCentre #ImaniRecovery #EatingDisorderRecovery #VolunteerWork #SARDA #CapeTown #EquineTherapy #MentalHealthRecovery#elijahwillwalkagain