The scientific conference titled “Recovery – Mental Health Recovery: Inclusion and Rights” was successfully held on May 30-31, 2024, at the Amphitheater of the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.P.S.Y.) in Athens. The conference was organized in collaboration with leading mental health organizations and supported by the Bodossaki Foundation, attracting a large number of participants from Greece and abroad.

Objectives of the Conference

The conference focused on the concept of “Recovery” in mental health, emphasizing inclusion, self-representation, and the rights of individuals with mental health challenges. Through speeches, workshops, and discussions, best practices, innovative approaches, and methods to empower professionals, mental health service users, and caregivers were analyzed.

Program and Participants

Thursday, May 30, 2024

The day began with registration and welcome addresses by prominent figures, including:

  • Dimitris Vartzopoulos, Deputy Minister of Health.
  • Charalampos Papageorgiou, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Director of E.P.I.P.S.Y.
  • Venos Mavreas, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry.
  • Chrysa Marteka, Vice President of the Board of POKOISPE.
  • Fotis Spyropoulos, Senior Programme Officer, Bodossaki Foundation.

Keynote speeches followed, delivered by:

  • J-F Pelletier, Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University.
  • Peni Kalpaxi, WHO Office Representative in Greece.

The thematic sessions featured distinguished experts:

  • Stelios Stylianidis, on the implementation of Recovery in Greece.
  • Nikos Tsiprogiannis, on Recovery as a goal for new mental health units.
  • Alexandra Palli, on social rehabilitation through Recovery.
  • Katerina Nomidou, on Recovery and its connection to Rights.

The day concluded with four specialized workshops focusing on Recovery-related themes.

Friday, May 31, 2024

The second day focused on best practices in Greece, with speakers such as:

  • Giannis Chrysochou, on implementing Recovery in psychosocial rehabilitation units.
  • Panagiota Fitsiou, on experiences from the Society of Social Psychiatry.
  • Foivos Theologitis and Elli Vamvakousi, on assessing Recovery outcomes using the MARS tool.

Later, presentations explored active participation and co-production, with speakers including:

  • Kostas Tsoukas, on caregiver and professional engagement.
  • Angeliki Giannatsopoulou, on developing supportive structures.
  • Christoforos Papadakis, on the role of families and caregivers.

The conference concluded with three specialized workshops on communication, education, and rights.

Conclusions

The conference highlighted the importance of the “Recovery” concept as a tool for empowerment and inclusion. It also served as a networking platform for professionals, service users, and caregivers, promoting the creation of a more equitable and inclusive mental health system.

Supporters: Bodossaki Foundation, funded by the “10306 Line” project.

Excerpts from the talks can be found on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/greek_carers_network/