Summary of project results
According to statistical data, the region of Western Greece is characterized by increased Multiple Sclerosis (MS) rates. The sufferers experience social exclusion, and are in need of treatment and psychosocial support services. For that reason, this region was chosen partly because of the growth trend of the disease and because of the geographical character of a rural region cut off from health services (Gourzoulidou, 2008). A total of 269 people benefited during the project implementation. Firstly, the Advocacy Office structure offered its services by reception, recording and serving approximately 169 requests that came from patients, caregivers (family members of patients) and health professionals. The requests were concerning psychosocial support to patients and patients’ families, mediating agencies and services, information on social benefits and education about MS disease. Also, the website of EEASKP (
http://eeaskp.gr/) was designed and started operating. Through the website, the Office of Advocacy was able to inform and provides counseling distance within the secondary prevention. Furthermore, the Social Benefit Guide for MS patients was created and the printed copies were distributed to stakeholders, agencies and services. Moreover, information material for the program was created, targeted to the general population, to employers and to education. Finally, television and radio spots were established in the local media against discrimination of sufferers from MS. The Advocacy Office has contributed to improving the accessibility of MS patients to health departments, with the signing of a cooperation protocol with the Region of Western Greece, the Metropolis of Patras and the Clinical Rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries-Department of Medicine, University of Patras, as well as cooperation letters to local authorities, organizations and NGOs and strengthened the functioning of the informal support network of households living in poverty. The Advocacy Office experience was transferred by training to the patients, carers and volunteers to issues related to MS in order to strengthen and continue the operation of the Advocacy Office and after the end of the program. This effect was associated with the strengthening of peripheral offices of EEASKP association in Aegio, Pyrgos and Agrinio, areas experiencing difficulties in operation structures because of geographical and social exclusion.