Student Mental and Wellness Conference.


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Event Details

Health is defined by the World Health Organization as, “…a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Higher Education is facing an increasing crisis in student mental health; 1 in 4 students are affected by depression and anxiety, student dropouts have trebled, and student suicide rates have reached record highs. It is therefore essential that Universities/Schools are placing mental health at the top of the agenda to remove barriers, reduce stigma and better support their student population.

Mental Health Conference aims to improve mental health literacy through greater depth and breadth of understanding of mental health issues. The purpose of MH is to teach participants how best to assist someone showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The purpose of this session is to learn how to recognize concerning behaviours among students and how to respond with particular emphasis on someone in immediate distress and/or in crisis.

At The End Of The 2-Day Conference, Participants Will:

  • Improve mental health literacy.
  • Learn skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems.
  • Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
  • Be able to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health problem.
  • Be able to guide someone towards appropriate professional help.
  • How to recognize when a student is in distress.
  • Strategies to meet the unmet mental and behavioural health needs of students.
  • Trauma sensitive practices.
  • Common stressors and student concerns.

Who Should Attend?

  • Department Of Student Affairs.
  • Rector And Vice Chancellors School Mental Health Professionals.
  • Students' Union Representatives / Student Officers.
  • Head Of Campus And Operational Services | Diversity And Inclusion Officers.
  • Student Counselling | Student Support Coordinator.
  • Health Professionals.
  • Lecturers | Educators & Teachers.
  • Principles & Administrators.
  • Students | Student Information Advisor.
  • Academic Staff | School Security Officer.

Conference Outline:

Day 1

  • Signs And Symptoms Of Stress.
    1. Stress management.
    2. Exam stress.
  • Identifying And Responding To Students In Distress.
  • Understanding What Student Mental Health Means And When To Get Help.
    1. Be able to recognize when someone is in distress.
    2. Learn practical steps to take to help someone who is in distress.
    3. Learn about additional mental health resources on and off campus.
  • Student Mental Health Problems
    1. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
    2. Be able to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health problem.
    3. Be able to guide someone towards appropriate professional help.
  • Improve Student Mental Health and Wellbeing.
  • Caring For Gen Z- The Future Of Student Mental Health And Wellbeing

Day 2

  • Mental Health Awareness In Schools: How To Run Effective Peer Counselling And Mental Health Awareness Club.
  • Evidence-based Approaches To Reduce Stigma, And Enhance Help-seeking In Schools.
  • Gain Insight Into The Various Components Of Stigma And Its' Impact.
     1. Learn how to spot subtle and over the stigma.
    2. Learn how to stand up and speak out against stigma.
    3. Depression.
    4. Anxiety.
  • Learn The Importance Of Suicide Alertness.
    1. Learn how to recognize people who are having thoughts of suicide.
    2. Be able to connect people who are having thoughts of suicide with the appropriate resource.
    3.Provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person at risk in ways that meet their individual safety needs.
  • Student Trauma

Guest Speakers

Mr. Alan Percy



  • Head of Counselling University of Oxford.
  • Chair of MWBHE (Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education).
  • Chair of HUCS (Heads of University Counselling Services).
  • Visiting Professor in Psychology, Fudan University, Shanghai.

Dr. Annsilla Nyar



Director of South African National Resource Centre for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition (SANRC).

Prof. Christine Lochner



  • Co-director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders.
  • PhD (Psychiatry), Stellenbosch University.

Dr. Dominique Thompson



  • Director, Bristol Students' Health Service.
  • Student Wellness Consultant Director at Buzz Consulting.

Prof. Alban Burke



  • Director: Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development.
  • University of Johannesburg

Ms. Janine Roos



  • Director: Mental Health Information Centre.
  • University of Stellenbosch

Dr. Fasloen Adams



  • HOD Department for Occupational Therapy.
  • University of the Witwatersrand

Prof. Daleen Casteleijn



  • Associate Professor, Department for Occupational Therapy.
  • University of the Witwatersrand.

Prof. Ndetei David



  • HOD Department for Occupational Therapy.
  • University of the Witwatersrand.
  • Founding Director of Africa Mental Health Foundation (AMHF).
  • Chair of The Africa Division of Royal College of Psychiatrists.
  • Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Nairobi.

Sponsorship Opportunities

ALL OUR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Recognition as event Sponsor.
  • Logo on Event website.
  • Announcement of sponsorship through partners’ social media channels.
  • Logo in Conference Program.
  • Bag Insert Permited and Logo on Bag.
  • Reserved VIP Seating in Plenary Sessions.
  • Recognition at Welcome Reception.

Sponsorship Packages

  Platinum Gold Silver Bronze
Complimentary Booth Space in Exhibitor’s Arena Premium Location Premium Location Exhibition Area Exhibition Area
Complimentary Conference Passes 2 1 1 1
Advertisement in Event Program 2 Full Pages 1 Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page
Access to Attendee Mailing List Shared 2 weeks and 1 week prior and after the conference Shared 1 week prior and after the conference Shared 1 week prior and after the conference
Key Mention in event Press Release Full paragraph profile Special Mention
Opportunity to Present or Participate in a Panel
Branded Networking Break
Special Recognition During Opening Ceremony
Opportunity to Run a Focus Group Adittional $1000 Additional $1000 Additional $1000
Package Prices $5000 $4000 $3000 $2000
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