About Higher Health

Our essential skills framework helps students and young adults build healthier lives and the confidence to thrive. As part of the global Higher Health network, we draw on proven models to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen workplace readiness and create positive social impact.

Our purpose and direction

At Higher Health, we are dedicated to empowering young adults to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and resilience.

Young people today are growing up in a time marked by rising mental ill-health, financial pressure, online risks, social isolation and uncertainty about the future. Many also move through education without consistent opportunities to build the practical skills that support wellbeing, relationships, work and everyday decision-making.

We exist to help close that gap. Our work focuses on strengthening essential life skills, building a sense of connection and belonging, and supporting learners as they move through study, work and wider life. By combining digital learning, peer support and real-world themes, we aim to give every young person the tools they need to feel steady, capable and ready for what comes next.

Our Mission

To equip every young adult in the UK with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead meaningful lives, contribute to society, and achieve their full potential.

Our Vision

To inspire a generation of self-reliant, compassionate citizens who actively contribute to building healthier communities.

Global Alignment

Higher Health began in South Africa, transforming education for over 1 million students. Adapting this proven model for the UK, we address local challenges while aligning with UNESCO and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, creating a globally relevant, future-focused curriculum.

Our team

Higher Health is shaped by a wide mix of people who bring their own experiences and expertise. What unites us is a shared commitment to helping young people build the skills they need for everyday life. Our staff lead the day-to-day work of developing the programme, supporting partners and ensuring learners have the best possible experience.

    Dr (Prof) Ramneek Ahluwalia

    Chief Executive, UK and SA

    Dr (Prof) Ramneek Ahluwalia oversees both the UK and South African organisations. He is a medical doctor with long experience in public health, education and youth support.

    Alongside his role at Higher Health, he contributes to teaching and research as a Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg and as an Adjunct Faculty Fellow with the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University in Canada.

    In 2024, he joined UNESCO’s Global Liaison Committee, supporting international work linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Yusuf Khan

    Finance Director

    Yusuf oversees the financial management of Higher Health UK and supports the long-term sustainability of the programme.

    He has worked with Higher Health South Africa for many years, bringing deep organisational knowledge and experience in managing complex budgets across education and public health initiatives.

    His work focuses on maintaining strong financial systems, supporting planning and governance, and ensuring resources are used effectively as the programme grows.

  • Sikhonzile Zungu

    Systems Manager

    Sikhonzile oversees the digital systems that support the delivery of Skills4Living, including the setup and management of our learning platform.

    She has extensive experience in online learning and educational technology, gained through working across programmes that support large and diverse groups of learners.

    She plays a key role in ensuring the platform is reliable, accessible and easy to use, and works closely with the wider team to keep improving the digital experience for students, partners and Peer Champions.

  • Nhlakanipho Yende

    Learning Platform Coordinator

    Nhlakanipho supports the day-to-day running of the Skills4Living digital platform and plays a key role in making sure learners have a smooth and reliable online experience. 

    Her work includes managing student enrolments, helping users with technical issues, checking the quality of online content and supporting staff across UK partner institutions with training and access.

    She also helps monitor discussion spaces to ensure they remain safe and respectful, supports learner communications, and works with colleagues to gather engagement data and insights from the platform.

Board of Trustees

Our trustees guide the long-term direction of Higher Health. They provide governance and strategic oversight, drawing on backgrounds across public health, education, business and the voluntary sector.

  • Professor (Dr) Sandeep Ranote

    Chair

    Sandeep has significant experience in child and adolescent mental health, public health and NHS leadership. Her background spans clinical practice, system improvement and youth wellbeing, and she brings insight from working across the health sector.

  • Dr Linda Meyer

    Chair

    Dr Meyer has worked in higher education leadership, quality assurance and student support. She brings experience from senior roles in universities and national bodies, with a strong understanding of how post-16 education systems operate.

  • Nthuseng Mphahlele

    Trustee

    Nthuseng has extensive experience with Higher Health South Africa, particularly in programme management, public health and large-scale learner support. She offers valuable international perspective and close familiarity with the organisation’s development.

  • Leslie Blavo

    Trustee

    Leslie has experience across both education and the creative industries, having served on school boards and worked within the music sector. He brings practical insight into how organisations support young people’s development and how culture, creativity and learning intersect.

Learner Advisory Council

Made up of students and graduates of the programme, the Learner Advisory Council helps us stay closely connected to what young people need and experience. They guide key decisions, test new ideas and offer honest insight into how the programme can keep improving. Their input shapes how we engage and support learners across all settings.

Greater Manchester Advisory Group

This group brings local insight from leaders across education, health, community organisations and civic life. Their input helps shape how we deliver in the region and how the programme grows.

A proud partner of UNESCO

Higher Health works in partnership with UNESCO to support young people’s health, confidence and life opportunities. Together we help make the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Our joint work focuses on improving mental health, promoting gender equality and giving young people the practical skills they need to navigate modern life. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating safer, more supportive learning environments across the UK and beyond.