"IASIS" is non-governmental, non-profit organization active in the field of Social Inclusion, Mental Health and De-institutionalization, which actively participates in the psychiatric reform promoted by the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity and the European Union. IASIS has an official registration as Private Non-Profit Organization.
Organization’s main objective is to provide psychosocial support and education to people who either belong to the range of or are at risk of exclusion, and to adult learners in the humanitarian field.
IASIS NGO began its preparatory actions in 2005. The first housing structure, a boarding house for 15 people with mental retardation, started to operate in 2006 and a 2nd boarding house with another 15 people started to operate in 2018. In 2008, IASIS NGO’s activities in the field of de-institutionalization were extended with a Day Centre for people with psychosocial problems (80 people each year), and 2 Sheltered Apartments hosting 4 tenants each with mental health issues. Organizational cycle of de-institutionalization culminated at 2014 in the creation of Social Cooperative in 7th Psychiatric Sector named “Archipelagos”.
In the following years IASIS NGO expanded its activities offering services to other vulnerable groups: Homeless (capacity of 50 persons per week, 60 protected houses in which former homeless are accommodated, counselling services for homeless and on the job training with support from DIKEOMA social enterprise), Asylum Seekers/ Refugees (70 Persons - families, Psycho-social Support Services for 220 Refugees, Host Unit for 350 asylum seekers, Hostel for 20 unaccompanied teenagers, Psychosocial Service of 2.500 persons), Children at risk (Hostel for 100 children / victims of war), Abused Women (Support of 200 women), unemployed (Support for 90 persons), Youngsters at Social Exclusion Risk/ Young Offenders (Youth Centre, Anti-bullying Work Group “Ailios”).
The organization has also developed a strong network across Europe, through which there have been designed and implemented dozens of Research & Educational Programs in the context of European and national frameworks (Erasmus+, Life Long Learning, EAA Grants, EFM etc.).
Last step to establish IASIS NGO as integrated Center for Psychosocial Education & Training is certification as – VET (KEDIVIM 1) from Greek National Accreditation Organization, a process that ensures organization as an institution for professional development of both beneficiaries and professionals.
IASIS NGO has been involved in a number of European projects aiming at the development of capacity for the organization itself, for the staff and volunteers and for the beneficiaries. Additionally, the organization has a significant experience in environmental issues management and more specifically in recycling / upcycling methodologies through its specific unit, FABRIC REPUBLIC. Fabric Republic is an innovative and comprehensive clothing management system that focuses on today’s social needs, sustainability and sustainable development. More information you can find at the website: www.fabricrepublic.gr/en
The experience that IASIS NGO has gained through European projects led to the creation of IASIS VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER with a view to offer their knowledge to the public through training programs. Inside the training center experienced researchers work on different national and European contexts and they have the chance to design, implement, pilot and assess training tools and methodologies.
These material is provided at IASIS NGO units such as the Day Center which operates since 2008 and is situated in the center of Athens. It is an open structure providing services to adults who face mental health problems. The trainers use these material to support and train their adult beneficiaries.
Moreover, IASIS through European projects supports trainers, counsellors, youth workers and staff to develop their professional competence and become skilled enough to deal with challenges in the context of adult education.
Additionally, supports through counselling a big number of people aged 45+ in the field of unemployment, in order to motivate them to find and keep a suitable work. Also IASIS provides trainings to increase the competences of the senior people. In the end IASIS supports them to find their place in the market.
Last but not least “Connect Your City” Youth Center, under the auspices of IASIS NGO, as a voluntary organization whose main purpose is to offer opportunities for creative VET courses, employment orientation and socialization among young people aged 15 to 30, most of them with special socio – educational needs. Youth coaching and career counselling meetings are offered free of charge at the Youth Center. There is also a group of lifelong learning activities on different ways of communication. In cooperation with Erasmus +, the Center organizes trips and expeditions on various European destinations.
