More information
Description
The project will provide holistic support to individuals at risk of social marginalisation and exclusion and pave the way towards their empowerment and self-reliance. This will be achieved through the operation of the Athens Solidarity Centre (ASC), which will provide a holistic approach (“one-stop shop”) bringing together expertise across different fields and complementary services.
The project will ensure the provision of a comprehensive package of complementary services, including:
* Psychosocial, legal aid and information services provided through counselling sessions and facilitating access to the state welfare system and other services as required (either internally or by external referrals);
* Employment and job market integration, through capacity building, job matching and accountancy services;
* Provide complementary activities in collaboration with civil society and community organisations while also aiming to strengthen networks, build organisational and individual capacities and an improved understanding of the needs of specific target groups (such as migrants, asylum seekers, elderly people and other vulnerable groups);
* The operation of a Child Friendly Space for the children of the individuals benefitting from the ASC’s services;
* Supporting vulnerable individuals and unaccompanied minors, in particular with their registration by the Greek Asylum Services.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to support marginalised and vulnerable individuals residing in and around Athens to empower them to become active and productive members of society. More specifically, the project target groups were those who were (or at risk of becoming) socially excluded. This included: a) individuals with minimal or no income regardless of national or ethnic origin; and more specifically, b) migrants who have not managed to find their place in the social sphere; c) ethnic minorities (such as Roma); d) refugees and asylum seekers; and e) young people who are not in the educational system[1]. A particular focus will be given to groups who require targeted support such as LGBTI individuals.
[1] The share of young people (aged 18-29) facing extreme poverty in Greece has increased between 2011 and 2015 while it has been decreasing for other age groups. https://www.dianeosis.org/en/2016/06/extreme-poverty-greece-survey/
To support marginalised and vulnerable individuals residing in and around Athens to empower them to become active and productive members of society. More specifically, the project target groups are those who are (or at risk of becoming) socially excluded. This includes: a) individuals with minimal or no income regardless of national or ethnic origin; and more specifically, b) migrants who have not managed to find their place in the social sphere; c) ethnic minorities (such as Roma); d) refugees and asylum seekers; and e) young people who are not in the educational system . A particular focus will be given to groups who require targeted support such as LGBTI individuals.
The multidisciplinary approach, enabling the targeted holistic response to the needs of the ASC beneficiaries. The day-to-day interaction and communication among the professionals, the common case management, and regular multidisciplinary meetings improve coordination and provide an added value to the ASCs operation.
The overall outcome of the project is to increase opportunities for integration and pave the way for the social inclusion of vulnerable individuals. In the framework of the ASC, this is achieved through: the provision of a comprehensive package of services including psychosocial support, legal aid, employability and accountancy services to vulnerable individuals , the enhancement of collaboration between ASC and civil society organizations ,the improvement of the operational efficiency of the ASC
-The collaboration between ASC and other civil society organizations is enhanced, amongst others, through the
implementation of complementary activities at the ASC by other actors; the external referrals made to and from services outside of ASC and the participation of the ASC staff in external coordination meetings and working groups.
The Athens Solidarity Centre (ASC), the centre provided comprehensive services to a total of 7.630 beneficiaries. More specifically,
1.670 people have been supported to obtain unrestricted access to social benefits, exceeding the target set at the start of
the program (1.500 individuals). A total of 318 beneficiaries attended job interviews and 34% of the employability service
beneficiaries were successful in finding a job (despite the contextual challenges as a result of the pandemic. It must be
noted that the success rate surpassed the target set at the start of the programme (25%). Additionally, 975 legal
representations were undertaken by the ASC lawyers and 65% of asylum applications and family reunification applications
were successful. A total of 2.796 psychological sessions have been carried out by the ASC psychologists, benefiting a
total of 254 individuals. Moreover, 476 tax numbers have been issued and 1.714 tax declarations submitted with the
support of the ASC accountants, almost double what the service set out to achieve at the start of the project. Given the
above, it must be noted that all outcome indicators (other than the overall number of beneficiaries reached), were reached.