FAQ

What do the initials EKO mean?

EKO was created from the initials of the words Vulnerable Social Groups. Vulnerable Social Groups according to Law 4430/2016 are divided into two categories: Vulnerable and Special Groups.

  • Vulnerable Groups include those groups of the population whose integration into social and economic life is hindered by physical and mental causes or due to delinquent behavior, namely: Students with Disabilities, Students suffering from serious pathological problems, Students suffering from mental illness ( former or current) substance users, Students with delinquent behavior, Students HIV positive.
  • Special Groups include those groups of the population who are at a disadvantage in terms of their smooth integration into the labor market, for economic, social and cultural reasons, namely: Students from low-income classes, Students from low-income single-parent families Students from the minority, Students refugees / immigrants, Students victims of domestic violence, Students victims of trafficking, Students affected by natural disasters.

Which students is the program aimed at?

The program is aimed at students belonging to Vulnerable Social Groups, but at the same time serves all students at the University of Patras.

What does the program provide?

The Social Welfare of the University of Patras provides a wide network of services such as:

  • Development of proposals and interventions to cover the learning processes Personalized action plans Psychosocial Support
  • Advisory support
  • Psychological support
  • Medical Support and Physiotherapy
  • Academic and Vocational Guidance
  • Counseling
  • Training seminars on approaching and supporting Vulnerable Social Groups
  • Information on the facilities of the University of Patras
  • Financial Aid Scholarships
  • Interconnection with Services of the University of Patras and with the wider Community Referral of students, where deemed necessary
  • Transportation of students with disabilities to and from the University Community

Are the Services you provide free of charge?

Yes, all Social Welfare facilities of the University of Patras are free.

How can I benefit from the Social Welfare services?

You can contact the Social Welfare Office of the University of Patras, by calling 2610.969696 and via mail at socialwelfare@upatras.gr. The Social Welfare Office is located in Building A (Rector’s Office) of the University of Rio, on the ground floor, in the Student Welfare Department. You can also apply for any Social Welfare service you wish by clicking the link, and we will contact you.

Where is the Social Welfare Office?

The Social Welfare Office is located in Building A (Rector’s Office) of the University of Rio, on the ground floor, in the Student Welfare Department.

I am a student of the University of Patras based outside Patras, can I use your services?

Social Welfare is addressed to all cities where the University of Patras operates. The use of the Social Welfare services for the students of the University of Patras who live in other cities is done remotely, except for urgent needs, where the Social Welfare staff can visit the local Departments, after a scheduled meeting.

What documents do I need to apply to Social Welfare services?

All Social Welfare services only require you to be a registered student of the University of Patras (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral).

How is the confidentiality of personal data ensured?

Beneficiaries contact the social workers who fully inform them about the methodology that will be used and the purposes of the program. After agreeing with a written statement, which states the reasons for collecting personal data, always based on the current legislation and the General Regulation for the protection of personal data (GPD), they proceed to receive the personal data of the beneficiaries through the Social History. The personal data collected is kept in a file which is accessible only to social workers who are committed to maintain professional secrecy based on the ethics of their profession (article 4 par. 4 of Law 690 | 1961).

How can I volunteer for the program?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer of the University Social Welfare service, you can contact the Social Welfare Office by calling 2610.969696 and via mail at socialwelfare@upatras.gr. You can also apply for volunteering by clicking the link, and we will contact you.