This initiative raised awareness and funds for the work SADAG does through the country's only 24 / 7 suicide crisis helpline and other valuable mental health support initiatives.

According to the BMH students, the campaign kicked off at the end of August with a vital Wellness Wednesday online workshop, led by a SADAG Senior Counsellor and attended by students from Sandton, Arcadia and Durban campuses. 

The session focussed on:

  • mental health check-ins
  • distinguishing between depression, stress and anxiety
  • recognising key symptoms
  • knowing when and how to seek help, and
  • the services offered by SADAG. 

As one of the campaign's goals was to raise funds to contribute to SADAG, the PR students say that they sold raffle tickets and conceptualised and hosted a vibrant Feel-Good Day Campus Experience. At the on-campus event, where students could unwind and recharge before assignment deadlines, the PR students successfully raised funds and highlighted mental health awareness.

A profoundly moving moment during the Feel-Good Day occurred when students paused for a moment of silence, honouring friends and family who have lost their battle with depression. Candles were lit beneath a tree of remembrance in a newly landscaped garden, creating a serene space for reflection, say the Boston Media House students.

According to the students, though some tears were shed, the moment united the campus in shared mindfulness, underscoring the vital importance of mental health, wellness and the power of collective awareness.

The entire on-campus initiative, which also incorporated important messaging around International Suicide Awareness Day, would not have been possible without the generous support of many of the Boston Media House Sandton and Parkmore community, say the students.

The Boston Media House students say that sponsors include: 

  • Vitamin Drip House
  • Noni Khumalo
  • Fireworks Tacos
  • Black Forest Bakery
  • L-Tido's podcast
  • HubSpot
  • The Sneaker Shack
  • Drinkerbell
  • Mpendulo Enhle
  • Sibahle Bath Salts
  • Golden Circle 360 degrees
  • Comic Con Africa, and
  • Oasis Water.

The BMH students conclude that the experience underscored the importance of educating others about mental well-being while highlighting the crucial resources that SADAG offers to those in need. Participating in this initiative gave students a renewed understanding of their role in fostering a more compassionate, informed and supportive community.

For more information, visit www.bostonmediahouse.ac.za. You can also follow Boston Media House on Facebook, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor