Taking HANDS for nutrition and mental health

In recognition of World Mental Health Awareness Day and National Nutrition Week 2025, the Taking HANDS community engagement project in the Presence programme partnered to bring holistic care to the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital community.

Partners from Dietetics and the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) of the North-West University (NWU) visited Witrand Psychiatric hospital.

National Nutrition Week 2025 outreach

In celebration of National Nutrition Week 2025, the 4th-year BSc Dietetics students from the NWU delivered an engaging and interactive nutrition session at Witrand on 16 October 2025. This initiative was led by Dr Mariaan Wicks, Prof Tertia van Zyl and their students, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in promoting holistic care.

“Food for Health, Health for All!"

Guided by this year’s theme, “Food for Health, Health for All!”, the outreach addressed a highly relevant topic in long-term care: how to navigate weight and nutrition in the context of medication-related challenges. Students connected with patients, family members and staff through short, accessible presentations on:

• the effects of medication on appetite and weight,

• practical strategies to manage increased appetite, and

• everyday healthy food choices.

To support ongoing learning, they created a take-home information leaflet summarising key messages. The session also provided an invaluable opportunity for students to collaborate with the dietitians at Witrand Hospital, strengthening their practical, work-based learning.

This initiative beautifully showcased the link between nutrition, physical health and mental well-being, while demonstrating the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering compassionate, community-focused care.

Mental Health Awareness outreach

The Mental Health Awareness outreach was led by Dr Esmé Jansen van Vuren, a senior lecturer specialising in Physiology from HART, together with postgraduate students Aiden Spalding, Chilene Vorster, Pretty Molaotsi, Nicole van Zyl, Padiso Matsole, and Danielle Hamilton. Their collaborative efforts highlighted an essential truth: mental and physical health are deeply interconnected.

On 15 and 16 October 2025, the team conducted blood pressure and glucose screenings for patients, their families and hospital staff. Beyond the clinical assessments, the event fostered moments of empathy, shared learning and connection - strengthening community bonds and promoting holistic mental well-being.