On December 17, 2024, EPIONI organized the 8th Caring for the Carers Day, held at the PEPSAEE Day Center on Alkamenous 8, Athens, and online. The event, dedicated to family caregivers, was held under the auspices of the Region of Attica, the Ministry of Health, the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Union of Patients of Greece, and the Hellenic Brain Council.

Key Collaborators

The conference was organized in collaboration with:

Welcoming Addresses

The event began with welcoming addresses from distinguished representatives and professionals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support for caregivers.

Panagiota Manou, representing the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, highlighted the government’s commitment to policies that support caregivers and strengthen family resilience.

Stelios Kympouropoulos, psychiatrist and former Member of the European Parliament, delivered an inspiring message on the necessity of advocating for mental health and caregiver rights, both nationally and across Europe.

Dimitra Stefanopoulou, Communications Officer for EUFAMI, underscored the importance of European networks in supporting families of individuals with mental health challenges.

Eirini Kapeloni, Board Member of the ERMIS Association, brought attention to the vital role of grassroots organizations in fostering community-based support for caregivers.

Christoforos Papadakis, President of the SOPSY Korydallos Mental Health Association, shared insights on the critical role of local mental health associations in improving the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

Keynote Speakers and Topics

  1. The event featured a series of engaging and informative presentations from esteemed experts in the field of caregiving and public health.

    Stecy Yghemonos opened the discussions by addressing European policies on long-term care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive frameworks to support caregivers across the continent. His insights highlighted the importance of collaboration at the policy level to ensure sustainable solutions for long-term caregiving challenges.

    Assistant Professor Christos Papas, from the University of West Attica, underscored the significance of caregiver support as a critical issue for public and community health. He emphasized that caregivers play a vital role in maintaining the well-being of vulnerable individuals and stressed the need for systemic support mechanisms.

    Mrs Katyalena Sourvinou, a psychologist, focused on the psychological challenges faced by families caring for cancer patients. She highlighted the emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of tailored psychological support to help families cope with stress and uncertainty.

    The importance of psychosocial support for both patients and caregivers was emphasized by Mrs Vivi Liopetra. She shed light on how holistic approaches to care can positively impact the mental and emotional health of all those involved in the caregiving process.

    Mrs Maria Deve, also a psychologist, explored the concept of the “cycle of care”. Her presentation provided a comprehensive perspective on how caregiving evolves over time and the need for continuous, adaptive support systems for caregivers.

    Self-care and the role of social networks in the lives of informal caregivers were central to the presentation by Mrs Maria Vergaki, another experienced psychologist. She highlighted that caregivers often neglect their own well-being and stressed the importance of prioritizing self-care as a means to sustain their caregiving role.

    Finally, Mrs Maria Koutsikou, Secretary General of the Panhellenic Federation of Multiple Sclerosis, delivered a powerful speech on the irreplaceable role caregivers play in the lives of patients. She acknowledged the immense contributions of caregivers and their critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions.

    Each speaker brought a unique perspective to our annual event, collectively underscoring the need for robust support, policies, and practices to empower caregivers and enhance their crucial role in health and social care systems.

Second Part 

English-Language Presentations

The second part of the event featured key presentations delivered in English, showcasing international perspectives on mental health and caregiving.

Dr. Kelly Panagiotopoulou discussed the significant contribution of caregivers to mental health. Her presentation highlighted the critical role caregivers play in supporting the mental well-being of patients, often acting as an essential pillar of care in both formal and informal settings.

Dr. Eirini Theocharis provided an insightful overview of psychiatric services in Greece. She addressed the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities for improving access to mental health care across the country.

Dr. Menelaos Theodoroulakis explored the ongoing psychiatric reform in Greece. His presentation examined the progress made toward modernizing psychiatric care, emphasizing the importance of systemic changes to address the needs of patients and their caregivers effectively.

These presentations offered valuable insights, reinforcing the importance of integrating caregiver support and mental health services into national and international frameworks.

 

 

Acknowledgments

The event was organized as part of the Sharing4Employment program, co-funded by the European Union. Special thanks to the Saronic Kidney Center for their generous support.

Media Sponsors

 

This event brought together distinguished experts and organizations, reinforcing the importance of supporting family caregivers in both health systems and communities.