Central Housing Committee The Central House Committee (CHC) is the most senior governance structure representing the residence community. As part of their role, the CHC creates educational, social and recreational programmes. The CHC has included Mental Health as part of its themes for the year. They have to be committed to supporting the general well-being of the students they present. Support was demonstrated by door-to-door visits and checking in on students. A range of other activities was planned to address emergency protocols, raise awareness and referral to mental health professionals. House Committee The RS House Committee is a student leadership structure representing the entire residence community in respective residences. House Committees raise mental health awareness through various forms. An example of one initiative called “one step at a time”, where students in their residence would meet on Sundays to share and discuss their experiences.
Development Officers The Development Officers (DO) promote mental health through Communities Of Interest (COI) by engaging resident students in conversation about their well-being through seminars and interactive sessions. The DO provides psycho-social programming as part of the living-learning activities within their communities of interest. Living Learning Communities (LLCs) allow students from similar disciplines to live close to each other and, in that way, can gain support from fellow students in a similar discipline. The DO team is further comprised of a full-time RS Social Worker and four Registered Counsellors that form part of the DO cohort and who also reside in residences. The Counsellors who live in residences can offer support to students after hours in the absence of full-time staff members.
“It is okay; ask for help when you need it because your mental health is as important as your physical health” – Development Officer “Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean you don’t experience it. People deal differently with mental health struggles so don’t place them into boxes to try and understand them. Support them as much as you can” – ResLife Ambassador “A wise woman once said, “just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for You doesn’t mean you can, should or need to do it alone.” COVID has shown us how strong we are when working together, and we can achieve a lot. For each other’s mental health we are together here.” – Central Housing Committee “Your mind is a garden and we need to do the work to remove the weeds that grow in our gardens, plant the seeds of the fruits we want to see and water them to grow. What plants would you like to see in your garden?” – Development Officer
Do you need mental health support? Here is a list of professional support services:
ResLife Cafe The ResLife Cafe structure programme was developed to create vibrancy in residences. This group of student leaders uses their arts and cultural activities to raise awareness about vital social issues in residences. Mental Health has been one of the key themes that have dominated the RLC programme. The RLC aims to create positive recreational spaces to help students unwind and contribute to their overall wellness.
Referral Source
Contact Details
Residential Services, Reslife
Campus Protection Services (CPS)
reslifehelpline@uwc.ac.za/ alternatively visit the ResLife Office (2nd floor reslife building and ask for a social worker) 021 959 2100
UWC Crisis Counselling Helpline
0800 222 333
Center for Student Support Services (CSSS)
Reception: 021 959 2299 Email: csss@uwc.ac.za
SANCA (SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) service offered through CSSS.
Make an appointment at CSSS Reception (csss@uwc.ac.za) or contact SANCA directly at 021 945 4080 http://www.sancawc.co.za Reception: 021 959 2876/5 Email: health@uwc.ac.za
Campus Health and Wellness Centre Thuthuzela Care Centre (A UWC partner) dealing with issues of sexual harassment/ assault and rape).
021 918 1321
DIVISION of
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES learn. become. thrive
Residential Services prioritise the mental health of our students and have included student leaders to become advocates for promoting mental health and well-being. Psycho-social support is available to residence students through counselling, food security, and funeral support. The RS student leadership have united, taken action, and found innovative methods to raise awareness through their projects and events. We all have moments where we feel helpless and unable to regulate our emotions. The stress of everyday life, and personal and academic demands can be overwhelming! Usually, we find ways to manage and cope with these stressors. The first step is to recognise when we can no longer cope and when it’s time to reach out for help.
The First Years First programme was developed to support first-year students in their transition to university life. Each first-year residence has FYF Peer Facilitators to welcome and support students in their new environment. The FYF programme continues throughout the year, once a week. The FYF PFs host sessions which enhance the overall wellbeing and focus on life skills to assist their adjustment to university. Mental Health is promoted through the FYF themes for the year.
RS has 6 co-curricular programmes, namely: Development Officers, ResLife Ambassadors Programme, First Years First: Adjustment series, House Committees, and ResLife Café. Each of these structures is housed and supported by RS. Below are some examples of the activities enjoyed by students. RS embraces peer learning principles as part of creating a space for advocacy, peer support and psycho-education delivered through programming rendered by student leaders.
The ResLife Ambassadors Programme (RLA) provides psychosocial support by implementing talk shops, events and campaigns. The RLAs create spaces for the residence students to engage in various topics related to their overall wellbeing. The programme allows students to build peer-to-peer support networks and friendships. The initiatives hosted by the RLAs are designed by students for students. Mental Health has been one of our focus areas, and we aim to provide students with the knowledge and support resources. Join the social media pages for more information or have a peek at some of their projects.
FYF Mental Health Talk shop in Disa Residence
Facebook: reslife_ambassadors Instagram: reslife_ambassadors Enquiries: reslife@uwc.ac.za
FYF Peer Facilitators welcoming students to a fun movie night