Who are we?
The Student Wellness and Advocacy Office (SWAO) is a unit within the Health and Wellness Centre at the University of the Free State (UFS). The office promotes and advocates for student health, well-being, safety, and personal development by raising awareness, providing education, and empowering students to make educated decisions regarding their health and wellness.
SWAO coordinates health promotion and prevention programmes, awareness campaigns, peer education, student advocacy, wellness dialogues, workshops and outreach initiatives across UFS campuses.
To ensure that students have access to the right information, programs, and support, the office collaborates with other services within the Health and Wellness Centre, university departments, and external partners. Students are connected to or sent to the appropriate professional providers when specialised support is needed.
SWAO helps to create a healthy, inclusive, and supportive university environment where students can prosper both personally and intellectually by promoting prevention, education, advocacy, collaboration, and referral.
VISION
An inclusive and empowered UFS student community that prioritises holistic wellbeing, equity and advocacy.
MISSION
To enhance student wellbeing through evidence-based campaigns, advocacy initiatives and strategic partnerships.