UMgungundlovu TVET Prioritizes The Mental Health Of Its students

UMgungundlovu TVET Prioritizes The Mental Health Of Its students. UMgungundlovu TVET College recently hosted a pivotal mental health awareness campaign in collaboration with the Department of Health. This initiative, held at the Midlands campus, was strategically timed to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by students, particularly during the stressful exam season.

The campaign aimed to provide students with essential resources and support, focusing on issues such as substance abuse, depression, gender-based violence, and suicidal thoughts. By prioritizing mental health, UMgungundlovu TVET College demonstrated its commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy academic environment for its students.

Mental Health Awareness Campaign At uMgungundlovu TVET College

Recently, the Department of Health collaborated with uMgungundlovu TVET College Midlands campus to host a mental health awareness campaign, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, especially as exam season approaches. The event was a significant initiative aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by students and providing them with the necessary resources and support.

Focus Of The Campaign

The awareness campaign was designed to tackle several critical issues related to mental health:

1. Mental Health Challenges: Highlighting the common mental health issues students face, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
2. Substance Abuse: Providing information and support for students dealing with substance abuse problems.
3. Gender-Based Violence: Raising awareness about gender-based violence and its impact on mental health.
4. Suicidal Thoughts and Actions: Offering support and resources to students struggling with suicidal ideation.

Health Screenings And Support

During the event, students were screened by health workers to assess their mental and physical health. Annette Van-De Merwe, the uMgungundlovu TVET college campus manager, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “We felt that it is very important to have this event today. We cancelled classes to focus on this precious day aimed at those fighting mental battles. We read every day in newspapers that this is affecting our youth so this generous contribution of our stakeholders today from the Department of Health made it possible for these students to be taught about the dangers of mental health illnesses,” she said.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Njabulo Madlala, the uMgungundlovu District social worker manager for the Harry Gwala and Ugu regions, expressed the campaign’s goal to conclude Mental Health Awareness Month on a positive note. “We are here with my colleagues, as it is Mental Health Awareness month and we have been doing events from the beginning of July to address these issues of mental health and raise awareness, as such conditions can impact negatively on a person’s life,” Madlala stated. He highlighted the importance of reaching out to tertiary institutions to raise awareness and provide essential information to students.

Special Teams And Resources

Madlala also mentioned the School Health Team, which focuses on addressing health issues in various schools across the province. The campaign catered to issues related to drugs, alcohol, and other substance abuse by providing a mobile helpline for students facing these challenges. Students were encouraged to seek professional help in a safe and supportive environment.

Professional Support And Safe Spaces

Emily Meyerowitz from the District Specialist Mental Health team emphasized the need to educate students about mental health challenges, often referred to as ‘psycho-social disabilities.’ “We wanted students to get the opportunity to be screened, not just physically, but also their mental health status so we brought professional social workers and registered counsellors to support and create a safe space for students to talk about these challenges of mental health and give them professional help,” Meyerowitz explained.

Mobile Care Facilities

To ensure comprehensive support, various mobile care facilities were deployed to the TVET College, including:

• TB Mobile Clinic
• HIV Mobile Clinic
• Alcohol and Depression Helpline Numbers

These resources were shared to provide students with accessible and immediate assistance.

Conclusion

The mental health awareness campaign at uMgungundlovu TVET College was a crucial step in prioritizing the mental well-being of students. By collaborating with the Department of Health, the college provided valuable resources, support, and education to help students overcome mental health challenges and foster a healthier academic environment. The initiative highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in educational institutions and ensuring students have access to the necessary tools to succeed both academically and personally.