Students are urged to utilize the Higher Health crisis hotline – Blade

South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has urged South African students to utilize the 24-hour crisis helpline provided byThis helpline is dedicated to addressing the mental health concerns of students and staff within the higher education community.Nzimande made this call on World Mental Health Day, emphasizing the theme that “Mental health is a universal human right.

In response to mental health challenges within the Post School Education and Training sector, Nzimande revealed that over the past two years, HIGHER HEALTH, the health and wellness agency of the Higher Education and Training Department, managed 53 619 reported cases of mental health issues among students.

Nzimande further stated that the department had provided mental health support to 321,004 students from January 2021 to June 2023 through HIGHER HEALTH Mental Health Prevention. This initiative aimed to combat the stigma and taboos surrounding mental health.HIGHER HEALTH’s efforts extend to supporting students from various backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community, survivors of gender-based violence , as well as general students and staff.

They offer health and psycho-social assistance through mobile clinics, nurses, community health practitioners, psychologists, and peer educators, empowering students with knowledge to strengthen their resilience against mental health challenges.Additionally, the HIGHER HEALTH Psychosocial Support Counselling Unit, staffed with experienced psychologists and counselors, has provided therapies and mental health treatment to 23,450 students from January 2021 to June 2023.

This program is designed to address personal and social challenges faced by youth in the PSET sector and covers six modules, including one on Mental Health. Importantly, this co-curriculum is available in all 12 official languages, including sign language.

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