SolidarityNow participates as a partner in the implementation of the project “PYXIDA – Complementary Support Mechanism to the National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors in Greece.”
The project is funded by the European Union through the “Program Greece – Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027″ and aims to create an effective mechanism to address the needs and structural gaps identified during the implementation of the National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors in Greece.
The project includes:
- The establishment of five (5) centers nationwide to provide specialized mental health services focused on trauma, specialized legal assistance, targeted services to combat school dropout rates among Unaccompanied Minors, and services for those who have recently aged out of the system (18-21 years old) and lack a protective framework.
- Training and clinical supervision for professionals working with Unaccompanied Minors.
- Accompaniment services during hospitalization and specialized emergency accompaniment to health facilities for Unaccompanied Minors.
- Educational materials and workshops aimed at empowering Unaccompanied Minors to address violence, gender stereotypes, promote equality, and encourage community participation.
The project is expected to support approximately 3,000 Unaccompanied Minors, 50 recently aged-out minors, and 1,742 professionals in the field.
SolidarityNow’s Participation
SolidarityNow will operate two (2) of the five (5) PYXIDA centers in Greece – one in Ioannina and another in Larissa.
The operation of the PYXIDA Specialized Service Centers is a key action of the project, providing nationwide specialized and multi-layered support to unaccompanied minors and those recently aged out (18-21 years old) in areas identified as having increased needs and gaps during the implementation of the National Strategy.
Services for Unaccompanied Minors up to 18 years old:
a) Specialized mental health services for unaccompanied minors, complementing the work of Unaccompanied Minors Accommodation Centers (UMAC) or other protective structures.
b) Legal support services for unaccompanied minors not covered by the protective framework they belong.
c) Services aimed at enhancing participation in education, addressing school dropout, and providing personalized career counseling services.
d) Facilitation of meetings between guardians and unaccompanied minors.
Services for Young Adults formerly Unaccompanied Minors (18-21):
a) Legal support and representation (e.g., assistance with pending asylum cases, unresolved civil/criminal/administrative matters, including legal representation in court and interventions in public services to defend the rights of beneficiaries).
b) Support and facilitation in transitioning to adulthood (e.g., psychosocial support, information, guidance, and assistance with accessing employment, navigating bureaucratic procedures, finding housing, and developing an individualized life plan).