Launch of SWS ICAS On-The-Go Crisis App

Dear colleagues and students

Student Wellness Service (SWS) will launch the SWS ICAS On-The-Go Crisis App on Monday, 20 September 2021.

• See details about the App.

Students can download the SWS ICAS App to obtain confidential and practical counselling support and advise in 11 languages, 24/7/365.

The App enables students to receive immediate counselling or reach out to a professional from wherever they are around the country.

• Read the FAQs on the SWS ICAS App.

The SWS will also host a SWS Run/Walk4MentalHealth in commemoration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2021.

• Read more on how to register and partake in the SWS Run/Walk4MentalHealth.

Talk to someone today, don’t wait!

The SWS has 24-hour telephonic counselling services available even during weekends. Students can access these services through:

• UCT Students Careline in collaboration with SADAG: 0800 24 25 26 (call) or 31393 (SMS)
• Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36
• ER24 UCT Collaboration: 010 205 3010.

Other exciting activities offed by SWS to support students’ wellbeing include:

• Peer Mental Health Support Programme
• RunWalk4Mental Health
• Mindfulness (Pause & Connect Group)
• Post Graduate Support Group

Please email sws@uct.ac.za or visit the SWS website for more details on these.

Students can also send questions to the SWS Peer Counsellors on sws@uct.ac.za or contact Ms Keletso Moilwe on keletso.moilwe@myuct.ac.za.

Students are reminded to reach out to SWS or access the FAQs for assistance. Please see some of the common questions below.

What support is offered by SWS?

SWS is a comprehensive primary healthcare facility, providing medical, counselling, and social work services.

How do I make a medical appointment?

Book a medical appointment online.

How do I make a counselling / social work appointment?

Book a counselling / social work appointment online.

Who do I contact for psychiatric emergencies?

Visit the SWS website.

Who do I contact if I am distressed at any time?

Access 24-hour telephonic services, 365 days a year through SADAG UCT Students Careline (call 0800 24 25 26 free from a Telkom line or SMS 31393 for a call-me-back) or through ER24 UCT Collaboration (call 010 205 3010 tollfree).

Who do I contact if I require an ambulance?

Contact Campus Protection Services (CPS) on 021 650 2222 /3 (24-hour hotline).

Who do I contact if I have been sexually assaulted?

Contact CPS on 021 650 2222/3 (24-hour hotline) or Office for Inclusivity & Change on 021 650 3530 or 072 393 7824.

What COVID-19 support is available to students?

See the COVID-19 support plan for students.

Who do I contact if I have a COVID-19 related query?

Book online, call the SWS on the triage line (021 650 5620) or call the COVID-19 hotline (021 650 1271).

What happens if an SWS clinician confirms that I have COVID-19 symptoms or if I test positive for COVID-19?

Students who live off-campus will be provided with support and treatment if needed.

Students who live in UCT residences will be transferred to UCT’s isolation facility, All Africa House, and will be assisted with testing at a public or private testing facility if not tested.

Students should inform their faculty if they test positive.

What happens if I am a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

“Close contact” means that you had face-to-face contact within one metre or were in a closed space for more than 15 minutes with a person with COVID-19. This contact happened while the person with COVID-19 was still “infectious”, ie from two days before to 10 days after their symptoms began.

Students who are close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-quarantine in their UCT residence room or their private accommodation for 10 days.

SWS will contact close contacts of confirmed cases and provide them with the necessary advice and support during their 10-day self-quarantine period. Visit the NICD website for further advice.

Remember to take care of your holistic health:

• The pandemic is still here, and we always need to remain cautious and follow all public health protocols on and off campus for the health of ourselves and others.
• Use the UCT App before leaving home if you are coming to campus. If you are ill, stay home and report the red or amber result to SWS.
• At all times, wash hands regularly or sanitise, wear your mask covering your nose and mouth and show care by maintaining social distance.
• The vaccine rollout phase allows for students to be vaccinated; do get your jab.
• Most of all, please play your part in preventing the spread of infection.

Student Wellness Service

Department of Student Affairs