Case Study from Greece: Iliotropio

In the framework of WP.2 the Greek project partner Ev Zin went to visit Iliotropio!

The Social Cooperative of Limited Liability “Iliotropio” (KoiSPE “Iliotropio”) was founded in 2008 and is operating since then in Athens. It was an inititative of mental health agencies of the area of North-East Attica and its aim is the work reintegration of people facing severe mental health disorders.  At the moment, its main economic activity is cleaning services of professional buildings. All WISE’s resources are derived exclusively from the sale of cleaning services, mainly through reserved contracts with public authorities. More than 50% of the WISEs employees are people facing severe mental health disorders.

Support is one of the key elements of the WISE’s operation and identity. The interdisciplinary team offers systematic and continuous scientific support to both the employee and the employer, providing specialized interventions, within an overall organized therapeutic and supportive framework, based on the principles of "Recovery" and the "Individual Placement and Support Model". More specifically, work readiness assessment services, job clubs and individualized professional counselling, regular employee support and problem-solving groups, visits by mental health professionals to the workplace for support and special psychotherapeutic interventions, training and information are provided.

Employees interviewed seem to prefer working in the cleaning services of the WISE, mostly because of the feeling of safety and acceptance they feel in the WISE.

“I think that in the future I will improve more and more. I like it and I am interested to continue. I don’t feel pressure working in the cleaning department and I want to offer my services there. It is not like the previous works that were stressing me. I am happy to go there.”