SWS student mental well-being survey and health promotion month

Dear students

The Department of Student Affairs’ Student Wellness Service (SWS) is conducting an important survey on student mental well-being. SWS has also initiated a campaign to highlight women’s health throughout August through engaging talks and insightful discussions on UCT Radio and social media platforms.

Furthermore, SWS reminds students of existing support services, including the SWS main clinic at Ivan Toms Building, the Upper Campus clinic, counselling services, pharmacy services, and alternative resources.

1. Students well-being survey

SWS has an ongoing survey on student mental well-being and preferences on counselling options.

Participation is completely anonymous, and an information sheet with all details is available for your informed consent. By sharing your experiences, you can contribute to making a difference in the mental health support available to UCT students.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey.

Any questions or concerns regarding the survey should be directed to the SWS practice manager.

2. Health promotion focus for August: women’s health

Join us as we highlight women’s health throughout August through engaging talks and insightful discussions on UCT Radio and social media platforms. Stay informed, empowered, and inspired to prioritise your well-being.

The next UCT Radio radio slot is on 21 August, 09:20–09:40, with a focus on African Traditional Medicine Week by Dr Christie van Zyl, special project: indigenous health in SWS.

The below topics have been addressed over the past few weeks:

• 14 August: Women’s health issues (cancers affecting women, including PrEP, cervical, breast screening; HIV and STI prevention). Interviewee: Dr Kathy van der Westhuizen, medical officer: medical and outreach in SWS.
• 7 August: Sexual assault’s psychological effects. Interviewee: Yolanda
  Hanning, psychologist in SWS.
• 7 August: Sexual assault survivor support. Interviewee: Yumna Seedat,
  survivor and complainant support in the Office for Inclusivity and Change.

Follow UCT SWS peer counsellors on Instagram for more updates, resources and engaging content about women’s health. Let's unite to promote well-being and support each other on this journey.

The health promotion team will create valuable social media content following these events. Be sure to register and participate in our initiatives. Your health
matters!

3. Support services offered by SWS

SWS wishes to remind all students of these available health services.

SWS main clinic at Ivan Toms Building, Lower Campus in Mowbray

Students are reminded that the SWS main clinic offers comprehensive primary health care, including medical care, pharmacy services, counselling and social work services. The clinic operates from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays).

Upper Campus Clinic

Limited medical services are currently provided at the Upper Campus Clinic in the Steve Biko Students Union Building. The clinic's operational hours are from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays). It is important to note that this is not a walk-in service and that all consultations must be pre-booked online. 

Students can obtain nursing advice via the SWS nurse triage line (021 650 5620) between 08:30 and 16:30.

Please note: the Sports Centre Clinic is closed until further notice.

Counselling services

Students requiring counselling support can book online. Students can also email peer counsellors for additional support.

Immediate access to a counsellor is available through the following:

1. Our 24-hour telephonic counselling services are available even during
weekends and after hours:

• UCT SADAG careline: call 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393
• Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36

2. Download the Panda App for online mental health support

• Step 1: Search for “Join Panda” in the IOS, Android or Huawei app store.
• Step 2: Download the app and create an anonymous user profile.
• Step 3: Use the promo code "SWS Cares" to unlock free 1:1 text-based chat support sessions.

3. Vimbo Mental health app

For this, students will need to register using the UCT email address and enter the voucher code: UCT158.

Pharmacy services

Students can buy over the counter medication and collect prescribed medication from the pharmacy after consultation with an SWS clinician. Students must book the collection of repeat medication online. This service option is only available for students with valid SWS clinician prescriptions.

Please note that the SWS clinics are closed on weekends. The available
24-hour telephonic counselling services can be used.

Alternative resources

Please refer to alternative resources for additional services.

• UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS): Woolsack Road, Rosebank; 021 650 2222
• Groote Schuur Hospital: Main Road, Observatory; 021 404 5208
  (C22–C23)
• Kingsbury Hospital ER: Wilderness Road, Claremont; 021 670 4333
• Rondebosch Medical Centre: Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch; 021 685 8706
• Vincent Pallotti Hospital: Alexandra Road, Pinelands: 021 506 5001
• Kenilworth Clinic: 32 Main Road, Kenilworth; 021 763 4500, 087 098 0452

Please notify CPS immediately on 021 650 2222 in an emergency. CPS would then contact the emergency UCT ambulance service

Any further queries can be forwarded to the SWS practice manager.

Student Wellness Service

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements