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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

Kovsies in top four in Global Business Challenge
2015-05-06

Photo: Mark Steenbok (Bloemfontein Courant) 

 

Christiaan Paulsen (team leader), Sias Conradie, Jannie de Wet and Frikkie Jacobs.

Four Kovsies in the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Sciences are one of the top four teams in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants’ (CIMA) Global Business Challenge. 178 teams registered to participate in the competition.

 

Team Bernoulli from the UFS will compete against two teams: one from the University of Pretoria and one from the Chartered Accountant Training Institute in Sandton. The winning team will win a trip to Poland, Europe to represent their university and country at the 2015 global final.

 

This international business competition is for undergraduates around the world, designed to bring out the best in the young business leaders of tomorrow.

 

Team leader, Christiaan Paulsen, said: “We are overjoyed to be in the final. However, our true success is in what we learned along the way”.

 

The team has to present a business case study, showcasing their talent in business management. During this competition, the team has

  • learned to analyse and solve a real-life business case study;
  • -obtained first-hand experience of the skills required to be a business leader;
  • enhanced their team building skills; and 
  • developed their presentation skills.  

Students from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Ghana, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Ireland, GCC, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Phillipines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Zambia are taking part in the competition.

 

This competition is organised by CIMA in conjunction with Barclays.

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