The action concerned two types of interventions, as it was addressed to both the staff and the beneficiaries of the SolidarityNow’s accommodation structures.
Firstly, meetings were held with the staff of the accommodation places of Perama and Konitsa, where there was information-awareness on addiction issues and ways to cope with situations of substance abuse or addiction (internet, gaming, gambling). In the structure of Velventos, the action was implemented in collaboration with KETHEA of Western Macedonia.
Afterwards, secondary prevention actions were carried out in the accommodation areas of unaccompanied children of SolidarityNow, which were addressed to the adolescent beneficiaries.
More specifically, during the intervention, there was information about the services of KETHEA and about addiction issues, through the use of information material and video projection. Issues and difficulties faced by adolescents were also discussed, as well as concerns about substance abuse and addictive behaviors.
In conclusion, emphasis was placed on strengthening identity and individual skills, through the encouragement to set goals and the development of effective ways of managing difficulties.
*SolidarityNow provides care and support services to 175 unaccompanied children, in three temporary accommodation facilities in northern Greece, in the prefectures of Kozani and Ioannina. This emergency intervention is implemented under the general coordination of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, the cooperation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece) and the support of the European Commission.