Student support services offered by SWS

Dear students and colleagues

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Student Wellness Service (SWS) in the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) offers primary healthcare and wellness services to support students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being. These services are available to students throughout the academic year.

Counselling services

A dedicated team provides confidential counselling sessions to assist with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Students who may feel overwhelmed by any developments on campus are encouraged to reach out to a health professional for support and counselling.

Students requiring counselling support can book online or call the SWS Counselling Service at 021 650 1017 to make a booking.

Those requiring mental health support can access the services through the following 24-hour services available during weekdays, weekends and after hours:

• UCT South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) student careline: call 0800 24 25 26 or text 31393
• Higher Health Counselling: 0800 36 36 36

In an emergency, please immediately notify Campus Protection Services (CPS) at 021 650 2222. CPS will contact the UCT paramedics.

Holistic physio care

Physiotherapy services are available to students who sustain injuries on campus, including injuries related to academic, residential, sporting and university activities. The service forms part of the SWS’s multidisciplinary approach, working in collaboration with SWS medical, counselling and pharmacy teams to ensure coordinated assessment, treatment and recovery support where required.

Physiotherapy services are also available for students who sustain injuries on campus, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support for recovery.

Physiotherapists Natasha Harker and Alicia Thorne are available in Room F104, First Floor, Stonefountain Terrace (95 Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch). 

• Email to make an appointment.
• WhatsApp or call 076 515 4035.

Medical services

The SWS Main Clinic, located at Ivan Toms Building, lower campus, offers comprehensive primary healthcare, including medical services, pharmacy, counselling and social work. The clinic is open on weekdays from 08:30 to 16:30.

Walk-in services are available to students with emergencies. Other consultations must be pre-booked online or by calling 021 650 1020.

Limited medical services are currently provided at Steve Biko Clinic, located at the Student Union Building, upper campus. Operational hours are from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays. Walk-in services are available to students with emergencies. Other consultations must be pre-booked online.

Medical professionals offer general health services, including treatment for colds or flu, sports or physical injuries, physical pain, health screenings (blood pressure, diabetes), screening and treatment for STIs, HIV testing and information on pregnancy prevention, contraceptives and condoms, along with certain specialist referrals.

Support is also available for students with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

Pharmacy services

Over-the-counter medication

Limited over-the-counter medication is available at the pharmacy located at Ivan Toms Building. Students can purchase the medication directly from the pharmacy without seeing a nurse. Operating hours are from 08:30 to 16:30 from Monday to Friday.

Family planning

A range of contraceptives is available at no cost to students. A prescription from one of the clinicians is required for contraceptives.

Collection of repeat medication

Students with repeat prescriptions can book online for the collection of their repeat medication. This service is available only to students with a valid prescription from the pharmacy and does not apply to contraceptives. 

Please note that the SWS clinics are closed on weekends, after hours and public holidays. The available 24-hour telephonic counselling services can be used.

Alternative resources

Please refer to alternative resources for additional services.

Public healthcare facilities

• UCT Campus Protection Services (CPS): Woolsack Road, Rosebank; 021 650 2222
• Groote Schuur Hospital: Main Road, Observatory; 021 404 5208
• Chapel Street Clinic: Chapel Street, Woodstock; 021 814 1540/1550
• Claremont Clinic: 40 Old Stanhope Road, Claremont; 021 444 6426
• District Six Community Day Centre: 50 Caledon Street, Zonnebloem; 021 833 5400/5413
• New Somerset Hospital: Portswood Road, Green Point; 021 402 6911
• Victoria Hospital: 13 Alphen Hill Road, Cape Town; 021 799 1111

Private healthcare facilities

• Life Claremont Hospital: Main Road, Claremont; 021 670 4000
• Kingsbury Hospital: Wilderness Road, Claremont; 021 670 4333
• Rondebosch Medical Centre: Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch; 021 685 8706
• Vincent Pallotti Hospital: Alexandra Road, Pinelands; 021 506 5001
• Kenilworth Clinic: 32 Main Road, Kenilworth; 021 763 4500, 087 098 0452

You can contact Cape Mental Health 021 447 9040 for supportive counselling.

For support groups, SADAG is available across South Africa.

Toll-free 24-hour emergency services

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
• Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 / SMS 32312
• Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789 / SMS 31393
• NPOwer SA Helpline: 0800 515 515 / SMS 43010

Toll-free services available from 08:00 to 20:00

• Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline: 0800 21 22 23
• Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline: 0800 70 80 90
• ADHD Helpline: 0800 55 44 33
• Pharma Dynamics Police and Trauma Helpline: 0800 20 50 26
• SADAG: 011 234 4837

Services available via WhatsApp

The following are available from 08:00 to 17:00:

• Cipla Mental Health: 076 882 2775
• Maybelline Brave Together: 087 163 2030
• Ke Moja Substance Abuse: 087 163 2025
• Have Hope Chat Line: 087 163 2050

Any further queries can be forwarded to the SWS practice manager.

Sincerely

Student Wellness Service