Since August 6th, by the decision of Mrs. Zoe Rapti, the Deputy Minister of Health responsible for Mental Health, immediate teams of psychologists and social workers from the Psychological and NPAs - members of the Federation "ARGO" supervised by the Ministry of Health, have been formed, in order to provide on-site psychosocial support to the victims of the fires. In addition, citizens were able to contact the 10306 line, free of charge, throughout the 24-hour period, where qualified Mental Health professionals were available to provide psychological support and further instructions.
This support continues (MoD No.Prot.: G3b/G.P.55526-11/11/2021) for the next period through the operation of eight permanent psychosocial support groups for children and adults. The aim of the action is to provide psychosocial support to the general population in the fire-affected areas of North Evia, following the interventions implemented by the Ministry of Health and Mental Health Unit operators since August this year.
The Body "Thalos-Mental Health", following its active participation in the support interventions in North Evia with the collection of essentials for the fire victims and the participation of mental health professionals in the psychosocial support teams that were operating, has the responsibility of setting up and operating a permanent team.
The intervention area of the clinic is defined as the Health Centre of Istiaiaia and the non-fire affected areas of the Municipality of Istiaiaia-Aidipsos and the professionals of the clinic offer to the general population:
- Psychosocial support
- Counselling and psychotherapy
- Support for social-welfare issues
- Interface with social & health institutions
- Prevention programmes & psycho-educational actions
- Self-awareness & expression groups
Important is the action of the Clinic in prevention programs and targeted psycho-educational actions for specific population groups, such as:
Strengthening the mental resilience of professionals: psycho-educational activity, which is addressed to the professionals of the Health Centre and includes a wide range of issues such as burnout, mental health first aid, non-violent communication, emotion management etc. / one meeting per week
Social skills enhancement group for people with mental illness: weekly small group with people with psychotic disorders / the purpose of the group is to offer participants and they will have the opportunity to interact with other people, enhancing their social skills
Information workshops and events: Workshop "Primary Health Care & Mental Health - tackling COVID", Mental health awareness activities for the general public