Irida Women's Center

InterVolve is a Greek founded and registered non-profit civil partnership based in Thessaloniki. The organisation aims to support asylum seekers, migrants and marginalised people and groups to integrate into society. It has been founded by a group of young volunteers active at the northern border of Greece during the refugee crisis. After the closing of the Softex camp in summer 2017, our main site of work at that time, Intevolve has been active in the city of Thessaloniki supporting both the local community as well as newcomers and those passing on through Greece. In the last two years, one of the leading projects of the organisation is the running of "Irida", a multicultural women’s centre in Thessaloniki. The decision to focus on this target group more than others was taken because of the lack of activities for women and especially because of the difficulties the women (especially migrants) face to participate in open activities and social centre where men are usually gathering. Irida is a safe, welcoming, participatory space, where women feel a sense of belonging and respect. We want women at the centre to have a voice, a sense of ownership, and the opportunity to contribute to making things happen. We have designed Irida intending to ensure individuals and communities can access the information, support, social connections, space and resources they need in order to make choices, to meet their needs, to bond, to develop, to survive and thrive. We have managed to create an atmosphere of safety, trust, and diversity. At Irida, community-initiated activities and programs are provided, including: • Wellbeing, Psycho-Social Support & Life-Skills • Learning, Employment & Training, such as language courses, computer IT, CV making and tools to find a job • Community Involvement, Access & Outreach • Children's Wellbeing & Development Activities • A varied events programme to promote integration, • Signposting and referral to information, resources and services • Opportunities for cultural exchange, creativity, and independent and structured socialising, such as mixed cooking lessons, dance and wellness courses • Quiet space to relax, connect and socialise • Accessibility support: e.g. provision of childcare, disability access adaptations Other events and activities aimed to promote the inclusion of migrants and the meeting of different cultures are organised in Thessaloniki. Intervolve is participating in several initiatives, also in collaboration with other organisations in the city.