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06 October 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo iStock

October is recognised as World Mental Health Awareness Month – each year, we observe World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The 2023 theme centres around the idea that ‘Mental health is a universal human right’. World Mental Health Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and foster positive changes for the well-being of all individuals.

Mental disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, each manifesting with its unique set of symptoms. However, they generally share common characteristics, involving deviations in thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and interpersonal relationships. Some examples are schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disabilities, and disorders stemming from substance abuse. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated effectively.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Student Counselling and Development (SCD), in collaboration with the Division of Organisational Development (OD) and Employee Well-Being, will be at the forefront of Mental Health Month initiatives, addressing the needs of both students and staff members.

Staff mental health

OD and Employee Well-Being will be hosting a diverse range of staff mental health events under the theme ‘Navigating Uncertain Seas’, drawing parallels between life's unpredictability and the challenging nature of navigating rough waters. Arina Engelbrecht, Employee Well-being Specialist, elaborated, “We believe that just as a boat is built to sail uncertain seas, individuals possess the resilience and strength to navigate life's uncertainties. The campaign aims to promote mental health awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and provide tools and support for employees to thrive in both personal and professional aspects.” 

The series, ‘Navigating Uncertain Seas’, includes the following events for UFS staff members:

Navigating Uncertainties (featuring Nicky Abdinor)
Date: 6 October 2023
Time:  12:00-14:00
Venue:  Odeion, Bloemfontein Campus
Work-Life Integration (featuring Dr Asha Malan) 
Date:10 October 2023
Time:  12:45-13:45
Venue:  Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus
Resilience Reef (featuring Dr Lerato Makhele)
Date: 12 October 2023
Time: 12:45-13:45
Venue: Ukubizana Auditorium, South Campus  
Date:19 October 2023
Time:  12:45-13:45
Venue:  Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus
 
Stress Management Island (featuring Prof Frans Maruma)
Date: 25 October 2023
Time: 12:45-13:45
Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

Click here to RSVP

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers university employees and their families confidential counselling and resources to address personal and work-related issues. The UFS community can reach out to the EAP through various channels, including SMS (text your name to 31581 for a callback), phone (call 0800 004 770 for immediate assistance), WhatsApp (message 66 488 2273), or email (Carecentre@lifehealthcare.co.za).

Mental Health Quote of the Day

Student mental health

SCD offers a range of mental health services for students, including developmental workshops and webinars focusing on coping with stress, emotional intelligence, self-care, building healthy relationships, and relaxation. They also provide extended mental health programmes such as the Self-Esteem project, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy programme, and the Career Development Project. Additionally, the UFS Student Mental Health Careline is available 24/7, offering confidential telephonic counselling services and individual counselling sessions. SCD can be reached at any time, day or night, through the toll-free Student Careline at 0800 00 6363, with no call charges, or via text on 43302.

Counselling Psychologist Philile Phungula from SCD underscores the significance of mental health as a continuous journey that every student should embark upon. She stated, "Mental health is vital for university students, as it significantly impacts their overall well-being and academic success. The pressures of university and social challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. By prioritising mental health, students can enhance their ability to focus, retain and recall information, and build resilience. Additionally, seeking support and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can promote wellness. SCD aims to encourage students to enjoy a fulfilling educational journey."

To commemorate World Mental Health Month, SCD will host the following events for students:

Movie night and donation drive
Date: 15 October 2023
Time: 18:00
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein

Entry fee: Donation of sanitary towels or any toiletries.

Grow Programme Mental Health Awards (by invitation only)
Date: 27 October 2023
Time: 13:00-14:00
Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

News Archive

Vice-Chancellor honoured with major awards
2013-05-02

02 May 2013

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce that Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, has been awarded a number of major awards recently.

The University of California in the United States awarded him the Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy and Tolerance. The award is made in recognition of persons who exemplify in their work the delivery of social justice, diplomacy and tolerance in the diverse local and global society.

“The committee was very impressed with the commitment that Prof Jansen has had to reconciliation and forgiveness as a way to build bridges and to find common ground. Prof Jansen is following in the steps of many of our greatest peace-time leaders and we support his efforts to bring understanding to all cultures,” said Mark Aldenderfer, chair of the awards committee and Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Art at the University of California.

Prof Jansen also received the 2013 Academia Award at the Sixth Annual Ubuntu Lecture and Dialogue Awards Ceremony of the Turquoise Harmony Institute on 4 April 2013 in Johannesburg. The Institute aims to foster relations among different faith and cultural traditions to contribute to the well-being of humanity.

According to the organisers, “outstanding individuals who made noteworthy contributions to dialogue, peace and harmony in the society,” are given recognition during the ceremony. The awards are made in a number of different categories. Prof Jansen was among the recipients who included Graca Machel and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF). Previous winners of Turquoise Awards include Ahmed Kathrada, Chester Williams, Dr Frene Ginwala and Prof Russel Botman.

On 10 May 2013, Prof Jansen was also honoured by Kappa Delta Pi International Honour Society in Education. He was awarded membership of the Laureate Chapter of the society founded in 1911 which “is comprised of men and women who have made distinguished contributions to education, and is limited to 60 living persons”. Prof Jansen joins an exclusive membership of 293 which includes such luminaries as Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jean Piaget and George Washington Carver.

Also in the United States, Prof Jansen has been invited to be Messenger Lecturer for Fall 2013 at Cornell University. He will give three lectures and interact with the students and staff of Cornell at various functions.

“This is a significant honour and it will really allow members from across the university to get a deeper appreciation of the work you are doing at UFS and in South Africa more broadly,” said Prof Judith Byfield of Cornell’s Department of History and Director of Graduate Studies at the department’s Africana Studies and Research Centre.

On the local front, City Press published its inaugural 100 World Class South Africans on 28 April 2013. During a rigorous selection process, 100 of our country’s most extraordinary citizens who have achieved world-class status were chosen. Prof Jansen’s achievements procured him a place on this prestigious list in the category: Heroes and Mavericks.

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