History

Honors

SOPSI is honored by the Minister of Health Mr.A.Papadopoulos, at the Old Parliament, during the year 2001, year devoted to Mental Health.

SOPSI is honored by the Chairman of the International Psychiatric Society Prof. Norman Sartorius within the EPIPSI venue against the Schizophrenia Stigma, at the concert by Nana Mouschouri, at Herodio.

Entertainment Area

WE SAY "YES" IN ENTERTAINMENT! THE HAUNT "THE WARM NEST"

Upon the beginning of the psychosocial rehabilitation programs for people with chronic mental illnesses, there has been a focus on the development of professional workshops and in sequence, on sheltered accommodation. The need for leisure activities was usually underestimated or was considered a luxury in the spectrum of services for psychosocial rehabilitation. The members of the Pan Hellenic Association of Family for Mental Health (S.O.P.S.I), having a close relationship with people who suffer from serious mental illnesses, followed a more sensitive approach. SOPSI took this need seriously and created a place, characteristically named "The Warm Nest", where members had the opportunity to communicate and entertain themselves in a familiar and protected environment.

The majority of the "haunt's" members participated in work rehabilitation programs. Many of them lived in hostels or protected apartments.

The "haunt" was located at S.O.P.S.I’s headquarters and operated on Thursdays between 5.00-8.00 pm. During its operation, members had the opportunity to drink coffee, communicate, meet each other, and generally expand their social life, while listening to various kinds of music. They also had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities selected by them, which included a variety of boarding games and dancing lessons. At the same time, various celebrations were organized at important days of the year (Christmas, New Year's Eve, Halloween, etc), as well as at name days and birthdays.

It is important to mention that members had been actively involved in the creation of the place right from its beginning. Even the name "Warm Nest", had been chosen by them. Members were responsible for the preparation and decoration of the place and its rearrangement after the end of the program. During its operation a person was chosen and was held responsible for preparing and offering coffee and biscuits. Thus, through their own active participation, members felt this place to be their "own".

The need of such a program was obvious from the beginning of its operation. Members responded enthusiastically and embraced it with love. Members, staff and parents cooperated with zeal and managed to create something different in the area of social rehabilitation, where deep respect was demonstrated to the need for leisure and creativity.

Today,  relatives of our members find the same warmth and support at the Day Center, where, with the help of the experienced mental health professionals, as well as, the educated volunteers, history continues and is constantly enriched with great care and interest for everyone who is in real need.