Everybody matters

Long a core-area of KMOP’s work, mental health has been highlighted by the EU as a field in need of transformation. In view of the EU-stated policy that all psychiatric hospitals should be closed by 2010, KMOP has broken new ground in Greece with its efforts to de-institutionalize persons with serious mental disorders. In addition to a Day Care Centre for persons with less severe mental illnesses, KMOP operates three Group Houses that provide comprehensive services to its patients. Activities aim at rehabilitating persons of poor mental health and, on another level, remove prejudices and lift the stigma attached to mental illness that exists in society. The services provided include housing, therapeutic and nursing services, social skills-training, regular medical examinations proactively aiming at improving the patients’ mental condition, and, to the extent possible, education and vocational training. Psychological support is also extended to the families of patients. Staff encourages patients to interact with the local community and strive to make their re-entry into society possible.