A first-of-its-kind, mental health 24-hour toll-free helpline has been launched to provide assistance to students and staff members in the post-school education and training sector (PSET), across South Africa.
Higher Health SA, in alliance with The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), launched the helpline, on 20 July, to provide free telephonic and SMS counselling, support and crisis intervention in all 11 official languages.
This is according to dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO at Higher Health SA.
The poster used by Higher Health SA, as well as the department of higher education and training, as a marketing strategy for the launching of the 24-hour toll-free helpline. Supplied/Higher Health SA
The helpline service is funded through various donors and partners, Ahluwalia said.
“We know that the age group of students is very high-risk for mental health issues, and support is critical in early identification and intervention for mental health issues,” said Petri Greeff, project assistant at SADAG.
According to Charl Davids, deputy director of SU’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), CSCD has seen an increase in requests for help and different conversations are happening across universities to see how they can make mental health services accessible during this time.
According to Ahluwalia, ill health, as well as social and psychological problems, inhibit the performance of students on campuses around the world, causing some to abandon their studies and delay their graduation.
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“Covid-19 has considerably exacerbated this situation, with students and staff experiencing numerous additional pressures, stressors and many are struggling to cope,” said Ahluwalia.
According to Greeff, SADAG has a team of dedicated trained telephone counsellors, who receive ongoing training and development from a board of psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as key experts in the field from across the country.
Should students need help, the number for the 24-hour toll-free helpline is 0800 363636 or students can send an SMS to 43336.