A new portal is helping South Africans understand themselves better by making sense of their minds! A resource dedicated to brain health made simple, here’s what you need to know about ‘Brain Matters’:
South Africa (07 April 2025) — A new portal is helping South Africans make sense of their minds! Dubbed ‘Brain Matters’, the new online project by The Behaviour Change Agency is all about making brain health-related information that much easier to access and unpack, which, in an age inundated with content, opinions and armchair therapists, is a welcome resource for all.
The project is the brainchild of Pat Govender, the BCA’s managing director, who got to thinking about how trustworthy information could be better accessed by more South Africans. For the project’s mastermind and the team behind the portal, it was about addressing the often silent challenge that mental and brain health face in today’s world, and especially in the health sphere itself.
“We believe everyone deserves access to clear, trustworthy information about brain health,” says Pat. “Through Brain Matters we aim to create sustainable social impact while addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.”
Brain Matters, then, is a resource that’s said to provide research-backed evidence for the changes we can all make to improve our brain function and overall, long-term health.
It also provides self-assessment tools and support, and answers questions you might have, like:
How do I build positive brain health?
‘Your brain is like a powerful engine that keeps you thinking, feeling and doing. When you’re running on empty, skipping meals, or pushing through constant stress, your brain doesn’t just notice – it responds. Just as you can strengthen your muscles through exercise, you can build a stronger, more resilient brain through daily choices and actions.’
What affects my brain health negatively?
‘Life’s demands can feel relentless – whether it’s juggling work deadlines, financial worries or running on little sleep. This wear and tear on your mental well-being is what we mean by ‘brain strain’. Over time, these pressures can change how your brain works, affecting how you think, feel and respond to the world. When the load gets too heavy, your body steps in. Stress hormones are released, altering how brain cells communicate and disrupting the balance of chemicals that regulate your mood and emotions. Physical conditions like inflammation or high blood pressure can also impact brain function.’
You can check out Brain Matters here to do more reading about understanding your brain.
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