Programme for Psycho-Education (social support)

This Programme addresses various aspects of social well-being (substance abuse, unintended pregnancy and abortion, personal safety, etc.) and skills development as it may be relevant to the TUT student population. The programme is needs-driven and strives to enhance student success, throughput and general well-being by identifying and addressing social problems that impact on the academic, social and interpersonal performance of students.

Current Projects:

• Substance (Alcohol and Drug) Mentor Programme
  Students apply to become a substance abuse mentor: They then assist the Directorate of Student Development and Support in addressing alcohol and drug abuse on campus. Specialised training is offered. This will enable the substance abuse mentor to:
• Identify a substance abuse problem (this mentor will have extensive knowledge of illegal substances and the SA Drug Act)
• Offer support
• Make an applicable referral
• Be involved in the awareness and prevention of substance abuse on TUT campuses (example: Annual “Addicted to Life” fun run)
  
  
• Pregnancy and Abortion Mentor Programme
  Students apply to become a pregnancy and abortion mentor: They then assist the Directorate of Student Development and Support in addressing the problem of unintended pregnancies and abortion on campus. Specialised training is offered. This will enable the pregnancy and abortion mentor to:
• Identify students who are traumatised by unintended pregnancy and/or abortion
• Offer support
• Make an applicable referral (a specialised counselling service is available on campus for this purpose) 
• Be involved in the awareness and prevention of pregnancy and abortion on TUT campuses

Personal Safety Workshops

Students are empowered with knowledge and skills during workshops presented by the South African Police Services, to ensure their personal safety.

Contact Details:

• Programme Manager:
  Lynette Vermaas
  Directorate of Student Development and Support
  Pretoria Campus (Building 6, Room 352)
  Tel: 012 382 5004
  Fax: 012 382 4187
  e-mail: vermaasl@tut.ac.za
  
  
• Secretary:
  Thea Stopforth
  Directorate of Student Development and Support
  Pretoria Campus (Building 6, Room 352)
  Tel: 012 382 5010
  e-mail: stopfortht@tut.ac.za