Mental health awareness and student well-being remain a priority at the University of the Free State (UFS). Through the Student Counselling and Development (SCD) Influencers initiative, students are empowered to become advocates for mental health, helping to foster a supportive, stigma-free campus environment.

Launched in 2022, the SCD Influencers programme brings together student volunteers from all three UFS campuses to raise awareness about mental health and the services offered by the university’s Student Counselling and Development Unit. According to Dr Munita Dunn-Coetzee, SCD Director at the UFS, the initiative was created to strengthen engagement between students and support services.

The SCD Influencers are registered UFS students selected through an application process to promote mental health awareness and on-campus services. The aim is to address rising mental health challenges while empowering students and staff to foster an inclusive and supportive culture of wellbeing.

Bridging the gap between students and support

One of the key motivations behind the programme is to ensure students are aware of available resources. Dr Dunn-Coetzee explains that many students are often unaware of where SCD offices are located or what services are available.

“The purpose of implementing student influencers was to help raise awareness about our organisation and the services we provide. We wanted the influencers to act as a bridge between UFS students and Student Counselling and Development,” she said.

In their roles, SCD Influencers connect students to professional services and encourage open conversations about mental health. Their responsibilities include referring students to support services, promoting awareness initiatives, participating in well-being campaigns, and identifying students in distress.

Training to support fellow students

Before starting in their roles, SCD Influencers undergo training alongside peer educators, which is repeated and refreshed annually. This equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to appropriately support fellow students. Training covers mental health awareness, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, substance abuse, disability awareness, and gender diversity. Influencers are also trained in referral processes, confidentiality, and recognising signs of distress.

“This training helps them recognise signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and guides them on the appropriate steps to take when encountering a student in crisis,” Dr Dunn-Coetzee explains.

Building a culture of care

The programme also provides valuable personal development opportunities. Influencers develop leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence skills while gaining a deeper understanding of mental health.

Despite challenges such as stigma and balancing academic commitments, ongoing support and debriefing sessions help Influencers manage their roles. Increased participation in SCD workshops and more students seeking support suggest the programme is making a meaningful difference.