A few words about the project
The project New Start is implemented in the frameworks of the program Active Citizens Fund, through the implementation body of the Civil Non Profit Organization of the “Child and Adolescent’s Center” through the Special Mental Health Unit “Oselotos.” The duration of the project is 18 months and it involves teenagers and young adults (15-23) with psycho-social difficulties who have developed a declining behavior, or run the risk of committing a punishable action. The aim of this project is to enhance the beneficiaries, through psycho-social support services and career guidance, in order to continue their academic career and also to integrate in the labor market.
In the project New Start, 100 beneficiaries will receive the following services:
A. Reception
In the beginning an assessment and a clinical evaluation of the beneficiary takes place in order to join the services of the project. It includes the Case history of the person, the Children psychiatric-Psychiatric Evaluation.
B. Individualized Career Guidance Program
Through tests, introductory questionnaires and consulting the beneficiary is given the opportunity to to develop mechanisms of self-awareness about his/her personality, abilities, interests and values. This will enable him/her to develop an inner motive and to make decisions functionally towards progressing his/her professional life and his/her social life. The career guidance program is completed with a report, in which the results are presented and the suitable professional directions are recommended.
C. Coaching
The beneficiaries in this stage will receive education and guidance on the following matters: i) how to draw up a CV ii) how to use the internet in order to look for a job iii) how to prepare for an interview with a potential employer iv) how to get in touch and cooperate with social services and educational institutions. Towards this purpose the facts of the methods “Professional NEET Assistance and Updating Information” (Erasmus+ Program) will be used.
D. Mental Enhancement-Improvement Of Communication and Mental Skills
The wider target of this project is to provide the beneficiaries with the necessary support, in order to be enhanced psycho-emotionally and become stronger during the job searching process and integrate smoothly in the employment frameworks. Moreover, to improve their communication and social skills, so as to be able to face the growing demands of the labor market. This will be achieved through experiential education (role games and experiential tasks) and based on the principles of the theory of Non Violent Communication (M.Rozenberg) and of the Theory of the Natural Systems (Bowen Theory).
In order to present this project and to attract beneficiaries, informative activities will take place towards the wider community and the responsible institutions.
At the end of the project, communication actions were implemented to disseminate the results, methodology and achievements of the project, while at the same time competent bodies such as municipal social services, child and adolescent protection bodies, criminal justice authorities and educational frameworks received scientific material on this.
Target and impact of the project
The target of the project is to strengthen the beneficiaries in order to have a more active participation in the economic and social life and to defend their rights.
More specifically, after the completion of the project, the beneficiaries will be able to become aware of their abilities and make decisions about training and employment, in order to integrate smoothly in the economic and social life. Moreover, they will develop their personality traits, so as to act more autonomously, judge better and manage to get in contact with the social services, acquiring an important support framework.
The project will contribute to the promotion of the reformatory initiatives, since once it is completed, a work meeting will be held with the participation of the Public Prosecutor, Police and educational authorities and with the institutions and the professionals of mental health. The methodology and the results of the project will be presented there. This will be the motive for all the the parts, who are implicated with juvenile infringement, to discuss and suggest joint actions in order to benefit the young people who are engaged in law-offending actions and also to prevent this phenomenon throughout the Greek state.
Efficiency Indexes
With the completion of the project, 100 beneficiaries will be mentally enhanced, will have determined their professional interests and they will be able to detect job openings in the labor market.
In order to present the project and attract beneficiaries, two informative events will take place among 40 executives of the social services departments of the Municipality of Attica and the institutions for the protection of children and teenagers. In order to publicize the results and ensure the viability of the project, among others, a meeting will be held with 50 representatives of the institutions in charge, and a new consulting and managing young people with law-offending behavior guide-book for the professionals who work with young offenders, will be made.
Active citizens fund Program
Active citizens fund
The € 12m Active citizens fund program is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) funding mechanism for the period 2014 - 2021, known as EEA Grants. The program aims to strengthen and enhance the sustainability of civil society and to highlight its role in promoting democratic processes, enhancing citizen participation in the community and defending human rights. The management of the Active citizens fund fund for Greece has been jointly undertaken by the Bodosakis Foundation and SolidarityNow.
Bodossaki Foundation
The Bodosakis Foundation was founded in 1972 by Prodromos - Bodosakis Athanasiadis, who decided to use his property to promote education, health and environmental protection. In addition, the Foundation supports NGOs working with socially vulnerable groups. The Bodosaki Foundation has a deep knowledge of the non-profit public sector in Greece and since its inception to date has managed more than € 450 million, which has been spent emphasizing the reduction of inequality of opportunity, education of young people, improvement of medical and research infrastructure and in promoting environmental protection.
EEA Financial Mechanism
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway signed a Cooperation Agreement with the European Union in 1992, creating the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA Financial Instrument, better known as EEA Grants, is a financial support tool created by these three countries and is available in 15 EU member states, including Greece.
The Active citizens fund program for Greece has been jointly undertaken by the Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow.
SolidarityNow
SolidarityNow (SN) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2013 to meet the needs and ensure the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, without discrimination. The headquarters of the organization are located in Athens, while extensive actions are implemented in Thessaloniki and the rest of the country. The organization's vision is to improve people's lives and empower them to claim a fairer inclusive society. The vision is realized through three main strategic pillars: a) Defending security and protection, b) Supporting livelihood opportunities and integration into the labor market, c) Strengthening the independence of civil society and defending the values of an open society. To date, SolidarityNow has supported 300,000 people, both through direct implementation of programs and through donations to support civil society actions. Through its donations, SN has so far supported civil society organizations for the implementation of 73 programs, totaling 14.4 million euros.
