Students raise R4 000 in aid of mental health awareness

Boston Media House (BMH) third-year public relations students in Sandton recently raised over R4 000 for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), making a real impact in the fight for mental health awareness.

Turning passion into purpose, the Your Mind Matters campaign gave PR students the perfect stage to showcase their media skills in a real-world setting.

Bukeka Mazibuko, PR student at BMH said far beyond an academic task, the initiative united students around a powerful cause, raising awareness and funds for the incredible work SADAG does through the country’s only 24/7 suicide crisis helpline and other valuable mental health support initiatives.

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Mazibuko said 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.

She said the sessions focused on mental health check-ins, distinguishing between depression, stress, and anxiety, recognising key symptoms, and 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 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 student team of 5 successfully raised funds and highlighted mental health awareness, proving that together, they can make a tangible difference.

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.

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“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,” said Mazibuko.

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.

By offering product hampers, free tickets, vouchers, and memorable learnership experiences, the third-year students learned firsthand the power of collaboration and the value of community.

Through managing diverse stakeholders, they forged meaningful relationships and experienced the generosity of those united in keeping mental health at the forefront.

This experience showed them the critical role of teamwork and the impact of rallying support for a cause that truly matters.

Mazibuko thanked sponsors which included Vitamin Drip House, Noni Khumalo, Fireworks Tacos, Black Forest Bakery, L-Tido’s podcast, HubSpot, The Sneaker Shack, Drinkerbell, Mpendulo Enhle, Sibahle Bath Salts, GoldenCircle360degrees, Comic Con Africa and Oasis Water who kept performers and students hydrated during the Feel Good Day event.

“The entire initiative offered students a deeply personal learning experience and invaluable professional and life skills. Through their efforts, they gained insight into the critical need for mental health awareness, particularly among young South Africans,” said Mazibuko.

“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 the students a renewed understanding of their role in fostering a more compassionate, informed, and supportive community.”

For more information on SADAG’s access support services, visit www.sadag.org or call the toll-free 24-hour Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567.