Open Minds 21

Mitigate the impact of Covid19 pandemic by ensuring continuity of care and access to comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support services to vulnerable groups of population

Greece has suffered a severe financial recession since late 2009 which led to a crisis of the health and insurance system. Extreme austerity measures and cuts in the public expenditure for mental health systems were applied while at the same time the demand for mental health services increased enormously. On top of that, the refugees’ reception crisis along with the current Covid 19 pandemic and the restriction of freedom of movement for the population are creating an extra heavy burden in a very limited welfare system for the vulnerable groups of population.

The proximity and accessibility of mental health and welfare services is very difficult or even impossible for homeless people, poor households, refugees and asylum seekers.

Through Open Minds 21 MdM-Greece have set and pursuing the following goals:

  1. Ensure access to free and quality mental healthcare services and psychosocial support during the Covid19 pandemic;
  2. Provide the necessary technical information and capacitate frontline personnel (case workers, mediators, carers, nurses, admin staff) and caregivers in shelters, rehabilitation structures related to Covid19 mental health impact to vulnerable populations and to the operational challenges during the pandemic;
  3. Ensure continuity of treatment and therapy including the mainstreaming of referrals to secondary and tertiary healthcare and social welfare structures when needed, as well as proper follow-up of their case;
  4. Raise awareness in order to erase the stigma of mental health issues and improve well-being in the community

Betshop.gr supports Doctors of the World – Greece, ensuring the functional and financial support of the OPEN MINDS 21 program, for the continued provision of mental health services in the community, by mental health professionals, in a framework of dignity and acceptance for all people without discrimination.

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