The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (DHESI) in conjunction with Higher Health – the national agency responsible for implementing programmes that address staff and student well-being in the tertiary education sector – has launched an initiative that will address the mental health needs of nearly 2 million staff and students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen increased pressure being placed on departments within these institutions; as a result, the two entities have adopted a three-pronged approach to address the issue.

Firstly, a student-led, peer-to-peer programme will play a key role in increasing awareness among students of the various mental health conditions that exist, and how they can be managed.

Secondly, a toll-free, 24-hour helpline for staff and students caters for individuals in all 11 of the country’s official languages. Higher Health has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to implement this, with counselling being offered telephonically or via SMS.

Lastly, a group of clinical psychologists has been deployed to the nine provinces to provide counselling and refer some cases to other mental health care professionals.

The 24-hour helpline can be accessed by students and staff in all public and private higher education institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, and work-based learning centres. To access counselling in the language of your choice:

• call 0800 36 36 36; or
• SMS 43336

More information on this initiative can be found here.