3 OCTOBER
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Registration Starts
Registration opens at 8 AM giving you plenty time to settle in, grab your name tag, and network with fellow changemakers as we kick off two impactful days of learning, sharing, and growth
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will be led by esteemed dignitaries, including local mayoral counsellors, representatives from the counselling sector, and key figures from the organising nonprofit, Upside. This event marks the beginning of two impactful days focused on mental health awareness and collaboration.
The Future of Healing: Psychedelic Therapy
Anthony Townsend
Anthony’s talk unpacks the future of healing with psychedelic-assisted therapy. He’ll explain how psychedelics affect the brain, who can benefit, and why this treatment is transforming mental health care for resistant conditions.
Explore how modern research into psychedelics and micro-dosing is shifting the landscape of mental health treatment
The Role of the Brain-Heart Axis in Wellbeing
Laurie Rauch
This talk explores how the brain-heart axis regulates stress and wellbeing through key brain structures and the autonomic network. Learn how balanced emotions and nervous system health support connection, calm, and the “Tend and Befriend” state.
Neurodiversity in the Room: Understanding the Hidden Layers
This session explores how neurodiversity — like ADHD or autism — can shape a client’s experience in therapy or support spaces, even when it’s not the presenting issue. Learn to recognise how neurodiverse traits influence other challenges, from anxiety to trauma, and adapt your approach with deeper understanding.
Lunch Activity
Connect deeply at Birds of a Feather! Engage in guided table discussions, share insights, and forge meaningful connections with diverse participants. Perfect for expanding your professional network.
Panel and Group Discussions
In this reflective session, our three keynote speakers share their personal insights from the morning’s talks. Delegates are then invited to pause and reflect on what resonated for them. These shared reflections set the stage for a dynamic panel discussion shaped by real questions and thoughts from the audience.
Reset Hour
Take this intentional break to rest and reset before the evening ahead. Whether you step outside, connect quietly with others, or simply pause to reflect, this is your time to unwind and process the day’s insights — so you can arrive refreshed for dinner, networking, and inspiration.
In this reflective session, our three keynote speakers share their personal insights from the morning’s talks. Delegates are then invited to pause and reflect on what resonated for them. These shared reflections set the stage for a dynamic panel discussion shaped by real questions and thoughts from the audience.
Dinner with Kevin
Enjoy an inspiring dinner session with Kevin Chaplin, Executive Director of the Amy Foundation and Ubuntu Foundation. Kevin will share his insights on why genuine connection and collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors are vital for building social enterprises that truly uplift communities.
Activity
Embark on a Collaboration Quest! Find your multidisciplinary team based on roles, then dive into dynamic discussions on fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive real-world impact.
4 OCTOBER
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Doors Open
Start your second day with a relaxed hour to reconnect over coffee. This informal session gives delegates time to catch up with old friends, meet new faces, and ease into the day’s learning and activities.
Every Piece Matters (The WHY)
Discover your vital role in healing journeys. This session highlights the profound importance of every individual’s contribution to someone’s recovery, emphasizing that every person truly matters in the tapestry of care.
Recognising the Pieces (The WHO)
Unpack the diverse landscape of mental health. “Recognising the Pieces” explores the roles and identities of various sectors and professionals, helping you understand who does what to foster better collaboration.
CMC Talks
10:10 – Marion Thomas on the Public Sector
10:25 – TBC on the Private Sector
10:40 – Nicky Seymour on the NPO Sector
WORKSHOP - Wezet Botes
Do you need a social worker or a counsellor?
This session explains the roles of social workers, counsellors, therapists, and community workers in South Africa. Learn who does what, how services differ, and how to choose the right support for your needs or community context.
ACTIVITY - Amy Kaye
The Stories We Carry – Writing As A Way To Connect To Ourselves and Others
Amy’s session invites participants to explore personal storytelling as a tool for connection and healing. Through guided journaling, she shows how writing can build self-awareness, empathy, and community — no prior writing experience needed.
Lost Pieces (The WHAT)
Deepen your understanding of critical issues. “Lost Pieces” delves into the complex challenges impacting individuals and communities, shedding light on the core problems that demand our collective attention and solutions.
CMC Talks
11:30 – Nikki Edwards on Addiction
11:45 – Wezet Botes on Trauma
12:00 – Chekea Bearcroft on Neurodiversity
WORKSHOP - Laurie Rauch
Understanding how our biological needs drives our behaviour
Laurie will explain how our biological needs drive behaviour, focusing on the autonomic nervous system and stress regulation. His talk reveals how understanding these systems can help manage wellbeing more effectively in daily life
ACTIVITY - Sue-Ann & Kerry
Anger is not our enemy
Together, Sue-Ann and Kerry offer “Anger is Not Our Enemy”—a Taking Time workshop that blends guided movement, creative therapy, and somatic stress release. The session helps participants understand and release anger safely while reconnecting with themselves and others
Lunch Activity
Fast-track your connections with Brain Dating! Book 10-minute “dates” with professionals from different organisations. A unique way to expand your network and spark collaboration.
Transforming the Pieces (The HOW)
Explore the spectrum of healing. “Transforming Pieces” introduces a variety of innovative treatment types and modalities, equipping you with diverse approaches to effectively support and transform lives.
CMC Talks
13:40 – Dennis Beeselaar on Narrative Therapy
13:55 – Mark Kahn on Brain-based Therapy
14:10 – Catherine Valentine on Creative Therapy
WORKSHOP - Nikki Edwards
Multidisciplinary Teams and Why it’s necessary in Addiction Treatment
Nikki explores the power of multidisciplinary teams in addiction care. Her talk unpacks how integrating medical, psychological, social, and spiritual expertise leads to personalised, holistic treatment and sustainable, long-term recovery outcomes.
ACTIVITY - Edith Kriel
Healing Through Play
Discover how play therapy creates a safe space for children to express emotions, process experiences, and build resilience. This session explores practical ways to use play as a therapeutic tool, helping practitioners support young clients’ growth and healing through creativity, imagination, and connection.
Connecting the Pieces (The When) - Closing Session
Our big final session. We’ll synthesize, discuss, and hear our concluding speaker, Mmusi Mmaine. Let’s transform collaboration into lasting action, building a more connected and effective mental health landscape in SA.
