Sparta, October 1, 2026

With great success and active public participation, the Greek Carers Network EPIONI held its 12th workshop entitled “Caring for Caregivers” on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The event took place in the “Evangelos Filippopoulos” hall at the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Sparta and was held in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate both in person and online via Zoom.

Focusing on informing, empowering, and networking family and informal caregivers of individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, the workshop was held under the auspices of the Region of Peloponnese, the Municipality of Sparta, the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Medical Association of Lakonia, and the Hellenic Brain Council. It was organized in collaboration with the Community Center of the Municipality of Sparta, the Day Care Center for Dementia/Alzheimer of Laconia – Therapy Express, and the Laconia Disabled Persons Association, within the framework of the European program Pathways to Recovery.

Opening greetings: During the opening remarks, the Mayor of Sparta, Mr. Michail Vakalopoulos, addressed the audience on behalf of the Municipality of Sparta, praising the dedication of informal caregivers and reaffirming the local authority’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and their families. Welcome addresses were also delivered by Ms. Maria Oikonomakou, Deputy Regional Governor for Cohesion, Solidarity and Relief of the Peloponnese Region, Ms. Maria Tsironi, President of the Medical Association, and representatives of the co-organizing bodies.

Key presentations:

  • Andrea Paola Rojas, Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry (online participation): “Care begins with you: Sleep and nutritional support for the caregiver”.

  • Stamatina Kalaitzaki, Neurologist – Neurophysiologist MD, MSc: “Physical burden on caregivers from a neurologist’s perspective”.

  • Maria Linardi, Social Worker at the Municipality of Sparta: “The Help at Home program and the challenges faced by informal caregivers”.

  • Nikoletta Painesi, Psychologist at the Community Center of the Municipality of Sparta: “Preventing mental burnout among caregivers”.

  • Giorgos Georgas, Psychiatrist: “Burnout among caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions”.

  • Christina Dalla, Professor of Pharmacology at NKUA and President of the Hellenic Brain Council: “Neurobiology of stress and depression in patients and caregivers: The role of gender”.

  • Ioannis Sotiropoulos, Director of the Laboratory of Exosome Analysis & Brain Pathology at NCSR Demokritos (online participation): “Daily stress and brain deterioration: How can I protect myself?”.

Panel discussion with informal caregivers: A particularly moving and vital session was the round table discussion coordinated by Ms. Anastasia Tzannetakou (MSc Clinical Psychologist-Child Psychologist, CBT Psychotherapist, PhD cand.). During the discussion, the personal testimonials shared by male and female caregivers were of profound importance, offering honest insights into their daily realities, emotional struggles, and practical needs, while underlining the essential demand for continuous recognition and structured support.

The Greek Carers Network EPIONI warmly thanks all speakers, local authorities, co-organizers, and attendees for making this initiative a success.

For more information, please visit: https://epioni.gr