Campus counselling: Quick guide to mental health support at SA universities

The lockdown blues are real and likely set to increase as South Africa continues to implement COVID-19 preventative measures. Here’s a look at what some South African universities are doing to provide mental health support to students.

Stellenbosch University:

Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development is inviting students to join an online psychological skills training group which will be running over 10 sessions.

The online course, which is based in cognitive behavioural therapy, will start on Monday 4 May. It will cover themes ranging from “Planning for Success” to “Avoiding Meltdowns”.

Contact them:

• CSCD number: 021 808 4707
• E-mail: supportus@sun.ac.za
• ER24 crisis number: 010 205 3032

University of the Witwatersrand:

To provide additional support to students during this time, Wits has implemented a crisis line where learners can access confidential help in English, Zulu, Sotho and Afrikaans.

They have also been posting #LockdownWellnessChronicles which provide students with mental health and wellness tips throughout the lockdown.

Contact them:

• Toll-free Crisis line: 0800111331
• Campus Health and Wellness Centre available during office hours: 011 717 9110/ 11/ 13

University of Johannesburg:

Counselling services at the University of Johannesburg have remained available to students. Students are able to connect with support resources either telephonically or through online resources such as Skype, social media pages, and Zoom.

Contact them:

24-Hour Crisis Line: 082 054 117

University of Pretoria:

The University of Pretoria has ensured students and employees are able to access support services throughout the lockdown.

Student counselling services are available for learners at Tuks through e-counselling sessions, telephonic communication and through the provision of online resources.

Contact them:

• 24-Hour UP Care Line: 0800 747 747
• 24-Hour Crisis Line: 0800 006 428
• SMS “UP” to 31393

University of KwaZulu-Natal:

UKZN have guaranteed that student counselling services are available to students throughout the lockdown. They have also offered additional resources online and the university has presented an online webinar examining the psychosocial effects of COVID-19.

Their social media pages have also provided mental health tips in the form of infographics and videos.

Contact them:

• E-mail: aessupport@ukzn.ac.za
• Call: 031 260 7440

Nelson Mandela University:

NMMU’s Student Counselling, Career and Development Centre has remained committed to ensuring support, guidance and counselling for students through the lockdown.

Their Emthojeni-Fountain of Student Wellness webpage provides links to various crisis centres and includes online resources that cover topics from “Coping with a Traumatic Event” to “Improving Concentration”.

They are available in emergencies through electronic means.

Contact them:

• Request counselling services through their website: www.counselling.mandela.ac.za/

Help for all

If you are not a student and you are looking for some help, please reach out to these organisations:

• Lifeline: 086 132 322
• Sadag: 0800 456 789
• Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567

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