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‘Do, Re, Mental Health’ – Harmonising Well-being with Music

10 September 2020 | Story Barend Nagel | Photo Barend Nagel

There is a notable quote by one of the most prolific and influential composers ever, that says:

“The music is not in the notes,

but in the silence in between.”

- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart’s proclamation is relevant, now more than ever. In many cases, we may not realise that those who are more silent than others are most likely faced with adversity in terms of their mental health.

To counteract this silence, UFS Clinical Psychologist, Angela Vorster from the School of Clinical Medicine, devised the UFS Medical Students ‘Unplugged’ initiative as part of a larger campaign. Vorster says the campaign creates an opportunity to encourage students to reconnect with their soulful side.

“Each year we choose a mental-health issue and focus our theme on raising awareness – e.g. suicide awareness.” This year’s theme is ‘In my blood’ depression and anxiety awareness. Sadly, the 2020 ‘Unplugged’ event had to be cancelled due to the unfortunate (and mentally taxing) circumstances we are currently facing around the globe. Nonetheless, Vorster’s evident compassion and benevolence towards individuals’ mental health did not allow the pandemic to discourage her from finding innovative ways of keeping harmony.

“Once we all returned to a 'new normal', I invited our students to submit recordings of their music. This then became a channel of its own on YouTube – and we could not be prouder of our musically talented students.” According to Vorster, research and literature have established that music has a significant impact on relieving emotional distress and improving our moods. “It became evident during therapy sessions how important music is in helping our students express their emotions, relax, and also engage their creativity,” says Vorster.

With Mental Health Month inching it’s way closer, and World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we should all embrace the ‘magic’ of music and the positive effects it has on our psychological and mental well-being. So, turn up the volume and defeat the silence in your life with your favourite music. Play an instrument, turn up the volume on your iPod, sing in the shower, or watch the UFS Students ‘Unplugged’ videos on YouTube; allow music to heal your ‘silences in between’.

News Archive

Boost for hockey in the Free State and South Africa

2006-06-20

The University of the Free State (UFS) will soon be one of a few universities in South Africa that are able to host national and international hockey tournaments in the country.

Two astro hockey fields are to be built on the western side of the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein. This is one of a number of major capital projects approved by the Council of the UFS earlier this month.

“The plans are drawn and the contractors are ready to move on site to start with the cleaning and digging process of the two astro fields,” said Mr James Letuka, Director of KovsieSport at the UFS.

According to Mr Letuka, the UFS will fund the building of the one astro hockey field whilst the building of the second court will be a joint venture between the university and high schools in Bloemfontein.

The two astro fields will be built on what is currently the Number 4 cricket field next to Shimla Park Rugby Stadium.

“This project will go a long way towards halting the outflow of good hockey players from the Free State. Hopefully they will find our facilities an attractive option,” said Mr Letuka.

“The astro fields will also place us in a good position to provide training camps for national teams, development teams, as well as international teams,” said Mr Letuka.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
20 June 2006

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