Merimna- Therapeutic and Pedagogic Centre of Patras for people with mental disorders

“Merimna-Therapeutic and Pedagogic Centre for people with mental disabilities” is established in Patras- Greece, since 1969. ". The Foundation is a legal entity under private law, charitable and non-profit organization, and is under the supervision and control of the Minister of Labor, Social Security and Welfare of Greece. Its Board of Directors is comprised by seven (7) members, three of which are people designated by the Perfect of Achaia. Its purposes are presented below: a) Scientific and practical treatment of pedagogical, social and psychological problems of people with mental disorders b) Inclusion of these people in the society with lifelong learning. c) Constant and continuous support of the above persons both throughout their activities and their lives. d) Provision of special treatment, vocational guidance, vocational pre-training and training, their socio-economic integration, the establishment, organization and operation of residences of Supported living, double-day care and single day care services, as well as creative employment services. e) Organization of cultural and sporting activities for people with disabilities f) Promotion of employment, creation of sheltered jobs for People with Mental Disabilities. g) Raising awareness of the Community with information and education programs h) Participation in European programs. It is staffed by 60 people (healthcare providers, administrative staff etc). 2 Creative centres (capacity 50 people) and a Day Care Centre (capacity:103 people) are currently operating in order to train and host people with mental disalibities-of both sexes and over 5 years old, and diffuse developmental disorders through the implementation of various programs' . The beneficiaries of the Center, through participation in support, vocational and pre-vocational training departments, receive evaluation and diagnosis, education, psychosocial support, integration into the family and their wider social environment. Also, support and counseling is provided to their carers. MERIMNA is managing and implementing both co-funded and EU Projects of various themes, always aiming at the integration of its beneficiaries and their extroversion. Finally, Merimna is a Member of EASPD and is in line with ISO 9001:2015 (TUV AUSTRIA Hellas).