Emeris Ruimsig Residence marks Mental Health Awareness Month with Masquerade Ball
A night of elegance carried a message beyond the celebrations, encouraging students to be more open about what they are going through.
Emeris Ruimsig Residence marked Mental Health Awareness Month with a Masquerade Ball aimed at encouraging students to be open about their struggles and support one another.
The event, themed ‘Behind the Mask’, was hosted by the residence’s Gents & Fem Talk initiative to bring its 2026 activities to a close. According to senior residence officer Erica Viviers, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the people who had participated in and supported the initiative throughout the year.
“The event was a celebration not only of the cause, but of the people behind it, the individuals who showed up, shared and supported one another throughout the year,” she said.
“Beneath every mask is a human story, and sometimes the greatest strength lies not in hiding what we feel, but in knowing that we do not have to face it alone.”
The Fem & Gents Talk initiative was established at the residence to give students a space to share experiences, discuss challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It complements the wider support services available on campus.
The initiative recognises that living away from home, adjusting to a new environment and managing academic pressures can affect students’ mental well-being. Through open conversations, it also aims to challenge gender stereotypes, encourage emotional expression and promote healthier relationships.
Reflecting on the ball, Viviers said the turnout was wonderful and described the evening as elegant, vibrant and filled with a sense of connection. She said the aim was for the conversations and awareness created through the initiative to continue beyond the event.
“We encourage our students to lead with empathy, support one another and remember that it is okay to take off the mask and be their authentic selves,” she said.
The initiative forms part of Emeris Ruimsig’s efforts to promote student well-being and belonging by creating opportunities for students to connect outside the lecture room, build friendships and support one another. The residence aims to provide students with a home away from home where they can form meaningful connections and make lasting memories.
