On 15 March 2021, the Student Counselling Unit (SCU) launched a ground-breaking mental health information chatbot named “SCU-B” in the Department of Student Affairs. The chatbot’s function was to provide a primary mental healthcare resource during the remote learning period of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Mental health information was used to supplement the traditional one-on-one counselling services for students. The chatbot was designed to provide students with the necessary mental well-being resources to ensure that despite the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, they would have information, resources and coping techniques available to deal with the day-to-day challenges they faced whilst studying remotely.

SCU-B is user friendly and can be accessed easily on the student portal. When a student’s log into the SCU-B portal they are presented with assortment of cluster groups encapsulating the common conditions that affect students. This includes topics and resources on depression, anxiety, lifestyle management, gender-based violence as well as substance abuse and addiction. These topics are amongst the most common issues the SCU has to address within the student population.

One of the greatest advantages of the SCU-B chatbot is that it does not limit the students to accessing mental health resources during office hours only. They are now able to access the SCU-B chatbot 24/7 and the resources are available throughout the academic year and during the holiday periods.

The first birthday celebratory event on the 15^th March 2022 was held in the Department of Student Affairs. The SCU wanted to highlight the continued existence and development of the chatbot and thank the role-players involved in the project. The event was attended by various internal and external stakeholders including the Vice Principal of Student Life, Professor T Mosia. He emphasised that it is essential to prioritise the mental health and well-being of students and encouraged further development of the chatbot to address their specific needs.

While SCU-B has achieved much, it is still in the early developmental stage and is currently being enhanced to optimize student well-being and support. In future SCU-B will aim to incorporate virtual reality and 3D solutions that would not only provide students with resource tools but also provide guidance through live coaching, gamification and physical activities that promote optimal well-being.

The SCU encourages all stakeholders to get involved and partner with the SCU-B initiative so that we can assist students in South Africa, and even beyond our borders, to manage their mental wellbeing. Join the movement towards achieving mental wellness now and for the future.