In Episode 2 of our video podcast series, Higher Health Through My Lens, hosted by Prof. Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health, we focused on Pride Month, which was celebrated in October. Prof. Ahluwalia emphasized how fortunate we are at Higher Health to embrace and celebrate gender diversity. He called on all 2.5 million students across our Universities, TVET Colleges, and CET Colleges to support LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and actively combat stigma. He also pledged that at Higher Health, we consider every month Pride Month.

A key highlight of the episode was Higher Health’s Civic and Soft Skills qualification, accredited at NQF Level 5 by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and developed in partnership with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). This qualification, accessible to any young learner with basic literacy, champions human rights, active citizenship, and includes dedicated modules on gender studies and gender diversity. Through this qualification, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our rainbow nation and are encouraged to embrace every South African, regardless of race, identity, or sexual orientation.

#DHET #HigherHealth #HigherEducation #PrideMonth #MentalHealth #October #LGBTQIA #StudentWellness #VideoPodcast

🌿🧠 Episode 4 of our Mental Health Series is now live!
In this final episode, our Senior Psychologist, Siphesihle Sandile Dlamini, shares valuable tips on how students can balance their studies while maintaining good mental health. He also provides details on how students facing mental health challenges can access support through Higher Health’s 24-Hour Crisis Helpline: 0800 36 36 36 — available 24/7, 365 days a year, at no cost.
This October, for Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s continue to #BreakTheStigma and create open spaces for mental health conversations.
Thank you for watching our series. 💚
#DHET #MentalHealthAwareness #HigherHealth #HigherEducation #October #SuicidePrevention #Anxiety #Depression #StudentSupport

Today on Episode 3 of our Mental Health series, our Senior Psychologist Siphesihle Sandile Dlamini explains in detail the symptoms of depression.
Join us this October for Mental Health Awareness Month as we continue to #BreakTheStigma and foster open conversations around mental health. 🌿🧠
Catch Episode 4 tomorrow at 8 AM, exclusively on our social media channels!
#DHET #MentalHealthAwareness #HigherHealth #HigherEducation #MentalHealth #October #SuicidePrevention #Anxiety #Depression

Today on Episode 2 of our 4-part Mental Health series, our Senior Psychologist Siphesihle Sandile Dlamini explores key mental health challenges faced by students, including anxiety and depression.
Let’s work together to #BreakTheStigma and open up the conversation on mental health, during this October in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. 🌿🧠
Don’t miss Episode 3 tomorrow at 8 AM, exclusively on our social media channels!
#DHET #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #October #HigherHealth #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Anxiety #Depression

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new video podcast series, Higher Health Through My Lens, hosted by Prof. Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health.

Episode 1 – Mental Health Awareness Month

Our first episode focuses on Mental Health Awareness Month this October, and Prof. Ramneek delivers a powerful and timely message about the mental health challenges many students face, especially with exams fast approaching for University, TVET Colleges, and CET Colleges students. Academic pressure during this time can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Prof. Ramneek offers a motivational message to help students navigate these challenges and reminds them that they are not alone in this journey.

24-Hour Crisis Helpline – Reach Out for Help

Prof. Ramneek emphasizes the importance of seeking help if needed, urging students to make use of the Higher Health 24-Hour Crisis Helpline (0800 36 36 36). This free and confidential service is available around the clock, providing immediate access to a qualified psychologist who can support students facing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. As he notes, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in higher education, making it crucial that students seek help when they need it.

Addressing Mental Health and Fighting Stigma

In this episode, Prof. Ramneek advocates for fighting the stigma around mental health. He explains that understanding mental health is key to preventing issues before they escalate. He also highlights the importance of learning mental health skills through Higher Health’s Civic and Soft Skills programme, which is accredited at NQF Level 5 through the QCTO. Upon completion, students receive a certificate they can add to their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, giving them a valuable skill set that can support their future careers.

Call to Action – Reach Out and Learn

Prof. Ramneek’s message is clear: mental health challenges are real, but help is available. Students are encouraged to reach out and take advantage of the resources and support that Higher Health offers. By equipping themselves with the right tools, they can navigate the pressures of academia and protect their well-being.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Higher Health Through My Lens as Prof. Ramneek continues to share insights on critical health issues affecting our students.

For more information, please visit the Higher Health website or contact our 24-Hour Crisis Helpline at 0800 36 36 36.

#HigherHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #DHET #HigherHealthPodcast #FightTheStigma #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #ExamStress #ReachOut

🌿🧠 Today as we commemorate World Mental Health Day, we launch our 4-part Mental Health series!

In Episode 1, our Senior Psychologist Siphesihle Sandile Dlamini shares that over 970 million people globally suffer from mental health challenges, with more than 700,000 lives lost to suicide every year.

Alarmingly, 1 in 5 students faces mental health struggles, and 70% of them don’t seek the help they need.

Join us as we #BreakTheStigma. Catch Episode 2 soon.

#DHET #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #October #BreakTheStigma #HigherHealth #MentalHealth #Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Month. 💚 In our latest video, our counsellor Gabonamong Makgalane shares important signs to watch out for if someone may be considering suicide. Remember, just one call could save a life!
Reach out to the Higher Health 24-Hour Crisis Helpline at 0800 36 36 36 – it's free and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

#HigherHealth #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters

Empowering Change for LGBTQi student: How Higher Health’s Support Transformed Othandiweyo Mkula’s Journey

At Higher Health, our mission extends beyond education and advocacy; it's about making tangible differences in the lives of individuals who face profound personal challenges. One such story is that of Othandiweyo Mkula, a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) student in Office Administration at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College, Ngcobo campus, Eastern Cape. Othandiweyo’s journey with Higher Health is a testament to the impact of our holistic support services.

A Journey of Resilience and Transformation
Othandiweyo joined Higher Health at the beginning of 2023 as a Peer Educator, bringing his enthusiasm and commitment to promoting awareness and support within his community. His involvement in various awareness activities, organized in collaboration with Higher Health’s Registered counsellor (Ms. S. Mpofu), highlighted his dedication. However, his role also triggered the need for personal intervention, leading him to seek one-on-one therapy.

Facing the Shadows of the Past
Despite his active involvement, Othandiweyo had been grappling with significant personal challenges. His journey included battling depression in 2021, stemming from severe trauma related to his sexuality. He endured a horrific incident where he was dragged by a car and faced violence simply because of who he is. The harsh realities of living as a gay man in a township that struggled with acceptance added to his emotional burden. The compounded effects of these experiences led him to alcohol as a coping mechanism, further complicating his path forward.

A New Beginning with Professional Support
In September 2023, Othandiweyo approached our registered counsellor as a walk-in client, expressing his concerns about his alcohol use and doubts about his future. Initially discouraged, he feared that his ambitions of becoming a social media influencer and establishing a nonprofit organization were beyond reach. He believed that his hometown, Ngcobo, was not a place where dreams could be realized.
Our registered counsellor employed a Client-Centered Approach to build a supportive therapeutic environment, encouraging Othandiweyo to explore his thoughts and emotions openly. By integrating Cognitive and Developmental Theories, the counsellor addressed his negative self-perceptions and encouraged positive changes. This approach, coupled with psychoeducation on treatment adherence and the impacts of alcohol abuse, set the stage for Othandiweyo’s transformation.
The introduction of the “My Journey” journal proved instrumental. This tool helped him articulate his emotions and aspirations, providing direction and motivation. Through only two sessions, noticeable improvements were evident. Othandiweyo began setting and pursuing his goals with renewed confidence and reported a significant decrease in alcohol consumption.

A Beacon of Hope and Advocacy
Othandiweyo’s newfound confidence and progress underscore the profound impact of Higher Health’s psychosocial services. He has not only experienced personal growth but has also become a beacon of support for his peers. By identifying students in need and referring them to our services, Othandiweyo is now contributing to the well-being of others, embodying the spirit of community and support that Higher Health champions.
Othandiweyo’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience within each individual and the transformative power of dedicated support. His story illustrates how, with the right resources and encouragement, challenges can be met with strength and hope, paving the way for a brighter future. Higher Health remains committed to providing support and empowerment, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their dreams.

Higher Health has developed a Civic and Soft Skills qualification at NQF
Level 5 through the National Qualifications Framework, quality assured by
Qualifications Certificate Trades Occupation (QCTO).

The curriculum has also been globally acknowledged by agencies like UNESCO, among others. This skills qualification is being built in multiple South African languages, including sign language and the eligibility is any learner with Grade 9 qualification or NQF Level 1 to enter.

Our online platform is designed with simplicity in mind, catering to all literacy
levels. It’s incredibly easy to log in, select your modules, and complete the
assessments. And the best part? After successful completion of each module you will receive a certificate which you can add to your Curriculum Vitae and also share on your professional and social networks.

The qualification is designed to address personal and social challenges facing youth – and the world – today. Additionally, it addresses the Top 10 Soft Skills of the Workplace.

The Top 10 Soft Skills of the Workplace (Graduate Attributes) are :
1. Empathy, Listening and Counselling
2. Civic Responsibility and Peer Education
3. Conflict Resolution
4. Creativity, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
5. Decision Making
6. Digital Literacy
7. Presentation Skills, Public Speaking and Communication
8. Resilience, Confidence and Self-Motivation
9. Teamwork, Organizational Skills and Leadership Skills
10. Time-Management and Goal-Setting