Eduvos Prioritises Student Wellness With New Universal Healthcare Partnership.

Post by Eduvos, February 12, 2024.

Eduvos is so happy to announce our new partnership with Universal Healthcare, bringing their u360™ service offering to our Eduvos students. This collaboration underscores our commitment to prioritising student wellbeing and providing support beyond academics. 

"Student wellness stands as one of Eduvos's paramount priorities, epitomising our commitment to holistic education and our partnership with Universal Healthcare deepens this commitment. In today's volatile and uncertain landscape, we acknowledge the myriad challenges students are faced with, and we believe that the innovative u360™ programme will empower students with the resources and support they need to thrive inside and outside the academic world,” says Dr Riaan Steenberg, Executive Director, Eduvos.

A 2022 study found that up to 20% of students in the South African higher education system need mental health support, yet stigma and limited resources often deter students from seeking access to care. Eduvos and Universal Healthcare are committed to addressing these challenges by: 

Providing accessible support: Through u360™, students have convenient and affordable access to a wide range of wellness services, removing barriers to care. 

Combating stigma: The programme encourages help-seeking behaviour by normalising mental health support and integrating it seamlessly into student life. 

Offering culturally sensitive care: With services available in all 11 official languages, u360™ ensures culturally appropriate support for all students. 

Dr Johan Pretorius, Group CEO of Universal Healthcare, emphasises u360™'s vital role in seamlessly addressing the intersection of mental and physical healthcare needs in today's high-pressure environment. “u360™ is a highly adaptable, innovative solution tailored to the technologically driven modern healthcare consumer. 

"We are committed to meeting Eduvos students' specific needs through this partnership,” he says. "With a focus on innovation and compassion, our comprehensive services, including uWellness™ and professional counselling, will ensure that every student receives vital support. Through the Universal.one App, access is seamless, bridging necessity and convenience. Our promise to Eduvos students is unwavering to provide them with the resources essential for academic success and personal wellbeing." 

The u360™ service includes an app where users can access personalised wellness assessments and tools, 24/7 telephonic access to psychologists and counsellors in all 11 South African languages and virtual consultations with healthcare professionals. The service also provides access to exclusive discounts on gym memberships, healthy eating plans and other wellness services to encourage healthy habits and lifestyle choices. 

"We are delighted to partner with Universal Healthcare to bring u360™ to our students," says Dr Steenberg. "By combining our dedication to student wellbeing with Universal Healthcare’s expertise in healthcare management, we can create a truly impactful programme that empowers students to succeed in all aspects of their lives." 

This partnership marks a significant step forward in prioritising student wellness within higher education in South Africa. Eduvos and Universal Healthcare believe that by providing holistic support, we can equip students with the tools and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally. 

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