“IASIS” Mental Health Care Unit SERVICES & ACTIONS CONCERNING THE PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH Ilias Rafail – Psychologist November 2010

Promotion of mental health in all stages IASIS the scientific, non-profit organization founded in 2005 by acting in the prevention and treatment of mental health illness in the frame of psychiatric reform

Two main structures The Boarding House (the unit of socio -Psychological Rehabilitation) The Day Center (the unit of rehabilitation, skill Development and Education)

The residents of IASIS community house consist of 15 people aged between with serious disabilities and/or psychiatric disorders who were living for long time in closed psychiatric hospitals or other institutions, excluded and isolated by the community and other social networks The boarding house:

The Boarding House Provides a warm and friendly environment which aims to integrate residents back into society by helping them to develop their personals and social skills in life

Services aiming at the promotion of mental health and rehabilitation Medical treatment and medication Social support and networking (with other agencies,families and friends) Psychological -therapeutic work (individually or in groups) Educational and creative activities cultural services and cultural events Physical rehabilitation

The Day center IASIS Was created in 2006 in the heart of Athens, by providing specialized socio- psychological services in the prevention and treatment of mental health illness and disorder within society

Beneficiaries of the day center services Adult people of Attica who suffer of mental health disorders and or other disabilities even live with their families or in a psychiatric setting or community house Immigrants who needs empowerment and support People interested in mental health issues (trainees, volunteers and others ) The whole community

Day center and the treatment of mental health illness Psychiatric assessment and medication Individualized and or in groups psychological-therapeutical support to person and its family Occupational therapy and other creative activities Physical rehabilitation and educational services in health issues (nutrition, hygiene, safety e.t.c) educational activities and other learning activities (computer, foreign languages, learning groups) cultural events and recreational activities

Services in the treatment of mental health illness Weekly daily program aiming at: Improving people's personal and social competencies in life Increasing the self- awareness and self- confidence Encouraging self-expression and interaction with others Activating people with mental health problem and disabilities to be included within society

Day center and the prevention of mental health illness Provides training and guidance to volunteers and trainees in terms of mental health issues increases the awareness of the general public in terms of mental health issues by organizing festivals, conferences, trainings, seminars Provides chances of training to its specialists by keeping them informed for issues related to mental health issues and rehabilitation Contact and cooperation with agencies in the promotion of health Conducting research and publications

The therapeutic team Psychiatric Pathologist Psychologists Psysiotherapists Occupational therapist Social workers Nurses Freelance educators Volunteers and trainees

Training the trainers program Need analysis:  Lack of knowledge of cultural background for immigrants  The borders between psychological problems and cultural or post-tramautic shock was not always clear  Wrong Diagnosis, wrong approach

Training the trainers program – methodological framework Experimental training 6 days workshop Simulations, group exercises Simplicity, real -time supervisor

Training the trainers program – module's key words Empathy Active Listening Knowledge of Diversity Cultural approach Communication

Training the trainers program – results Efficient psychological approach for immigrants Right Diagnosis – decreasing mistakes Up to 150 immigrants – clients of our unit Well informed and trained counselors

Thank you :)