The Friends of Valkenberg Trust (Friends) was started in 1994 as a result of the urgent need to improve conditions for patients at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital. As a result of this dream, a new High Care Unit has been built and the organisation has grown and developed into a registered NPO that is providing a wide variety of services focussed on making a difference in the lives of the approximately 350 patients and 400 staff at Valkenberg./n/nThe experience of being admitted to a psychiatric hospital is not an easy one. Being mentally ill is distressing to both patient and family and the process of recovery is often a long and hard one. But people with mental disabilities are able to recover from severe and persistent mental illness and live satisfying lives. /n/nWith the services and support of the Friends of Valkenberg Trust complementing the formal therapy of the hospital, patients have a real chance of getting back on their feet. /n/nFriends works in conjunction with hospital staff to provide services and rehabilitation opportunities which are designed to bring hope and comfort to patients during their stay at Valkenberg. These services meet needs and help to support the process of recovery by building self worth and preparing people to go back to their communities./n/nWe’ve classified the services and support we deliver into 6 areas:/n/n•