About us
We work alongside communities to build healthier lives
Community Wellness Project NPO helps young people, families and communities in George and the Garden Route build healthier lives through brave conversations, practical education, trauma awareness, prevention training and community-based wellness support.
Our story
Founded to open the conversations our communities have been waiting to have
Community Wellness Project was founded by Freddy Trout in George, on South Africa's Garden Route. The idea at its heart is simple: knowledge empowers communities to heal themselves.
We facilitate brave conversations, then hand communities the tools, language and confidence to carry the work forward — so that knowledge stays long after a workshop ends.
For the past 18 years, Freddy Trout has worked full time in the NGO sector, mainly in schools, where he has witnessed the challenges faced by learners from broken homes and difficult circumstances. His HIV prevention, counselling and testing training in 2018 became a turning point, challenging many of his assumptions and deepening his compassion for people living with HIV, members of the LGBTQI community, young people facing teenage pregnancy, and victims of gender-based violence. Through further training and years of community work, he became increasingly aware of how trauma, poverty, abuse and harmful behaviour patterns affect children, families and entire communities.
Community Wellness Project was born from Freddy’s desire to turn that awareness into meaningful action. His vision is to build healthier, more inclusive communities where young people are supported, healthcare is more accessible, women are protected, and boys and men are taught to lead with honour, respect and compassion. He believes that by reaching children early, supporting fathers, and empowering young men to become positive role models, cycles of abuse and brokenness can be changed for future generations. Through this work, Freddy hopes to help create a society where men stand against abuse, families are strengthened, and every person is treated with dignity and care.
A message from our founder
"Healing starts the moment someone feels safe enough to speak."
Freddy founded Community Wellness Project to make sure the knowledge stays with the community — not just with him.
Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you. Your strength, resilience, and determination inspire us every day. No matter what challenges you may face, never lose sight of your worth or your potential. There is always hope, and there is always the possibility of a better tomorrow.
— Freddy Trout, Founder
Our mission
To empower young people, families and communities to live holistically healthier lives through education, prevention, awareness, training and brave conversations — equipping people with the knowledge, language and confidence to lead their own healing.
Our vision
Stronger, healthier communities in George and across the Garden Route, where honest conversation breaks cycles of harm — and knowledge is passed from person to person.
What guides us
Our seven values
Dignity
We treat every person we work with as capable, worthy of respect and never a problem to be fixed.
Prevention
We focus on knowledge and early conversation, so harm can be prevented rather than only responded to.
Healing
We create safe spaces where people can process pain and begin to heal, at their own pace.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our conduct and our impact, and report honestly on our work.
Compassion
We meet people without judgement, understanding that many carry unprocessed trauma.
Community Ownership
Communities lead their own solutions; our role is to equip, not to rescue.
Integrity
We do what we say, protect people's trust, and handle information responsibly.
[ NOTE: value names are as briefed. The descriptions are drafted in the organisation's tone — review and adjust each to match how the team would say it. ]
People & leadership
Our team & governance
Community Wellness Project is guided by a committed team and volunteer board, bringing together lived experience, community development and financial governance.
Freddy Trout
Founder & Executive DirectorFreddy Trout is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Wellness Project and serves as an Ex Officio member of the Board. A qualified HIV specialist, Freddy has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector and has dedicated the past 21 years to working with young people and communities.
Our board
Innocentia "Choice" Somagaca
ChairpersonChoice joined Community Wellness Project because of her commitment to HIV activism and her passion for educating young people and adolescents about HIV prevention, treatment and the importance of making informed health choices. Her lived experience enables her to speak with honesty and compassion while challenging stigma and encouraging others to seek support without fear or shame.
Wayne Windvoël
Deputy ChairmanWayne has worked alongside Freddy since the early years of People Against Substance Abuse and has been involved with PASA for approximately 18 years, including serving as its Project Manager. When Community Wellness Project was established, he immediately became involved, providing valuable support with fundraising, awareness initiatives and programme development.
Wilmy Baartman-Blaauw
SecretaryWilmy Baartman-Blaauw serves as Secretary of the Community Wellness Project Board. She brings valuable experience in community development, administration and organisational support, helping the Board maintain clear records and effective governance processes.
Megan O'Reilly
TreasurerMegan O'Reilly serves as Treasurer of Community Wellness Project. A qualified bookkeeper with many years of experience in taxation, financial administration and regulatory compliance, she provides essential financial guidance and oversight to the organisation.
Nokwanele Klaas
Board MemberNokwanele Klaas serves as an additional member of the Community Wellness Project Board. She joined the organisation after witnessing the value of its programmes and the positive impact they were making within her own community.
Let's build healthier communities together
Book a programme for your school or business — and help fund free wellness education at the same time.
Need support?
If you or someone you know needs help, help is available — confidentially and without judgement.
In immediate danger? Call emergency services: 10111 (SAPS) or 112 (mobile).
We maintain a directory of trusted local support services in George and the Garden Route — clinics, counselling, GBV support and substance-abuse help.