The Humanlinks Team
“Humanlinks” is a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organization, certified by the Region of Attica, as a non-profit primary social care service provider, based on Government Gazette 2113/tB/31-3-2023, which is active in the fields of mental health, psychosocial support and awareness, while developing training programs on mental health, education and the environment.
It was formed in 2018 by a group of people who envision and wish to establish a new and clear view on current issues about humanity, sharing them with the greater community.
The original idea for Humanlinks initially emerged 16 years ago, from a group of people familiar with mental health issues themselves. Likewise, through their own personal experience and transformation they gained awareness and knowledge of what people’s priorities are nowadays, during these difficult times.
The treatment programs and the Humanlinks approach were both based on the idea of self-help and mutual support of the members under the guidance and supervision of mental health professionals. The concept and practice of self-help does not mean cutting off/discontinuing any clinical or other type of professional support when deemed necessary in order to manage symptoms. Self-help means having distinct roles and good relationships with health professionals, and access to services that can be used whenever required. Also, it means staying informed as regards the right to be well educated about, and involved in, the treatment modalities suggested, while having the choice to manage them accordingly. Moreover, it means for one to no longer carry the label of a clinical case; these individuals are socially identified by their disorders and symptoms, in this way maintaining and reinforcing the stigma.
Our organization works on a location-oriented basis; our programs are initially developed in the Acropolis, Koukaki and Plaka areas. In this way, local residents become familiar with the programs and active, substantially participating and therefore establishing a certain feel in the area..
Likewise, close links and collaborations are formed between local and state organizations, such as the Municipality of Athens, Educational Institutions, Cultural Centers, Institutes, the Archaeological Society of Athens, the Acropolis Museum, etc.
Since 2018, Humanlinks organizes workshops and open events throughout the year, in addition to mental-health festivals on a monthly or yearly basis. The topics included such as human relations, school communities, well-being and nutrition, environmental issues, mindfulness, science and others, act not only as preventive measures in this regard, but also as to reinforce support.
Our philosophy is based on principles and human values, which we believe act as a shield of protection and encouragement. Moreover, by community residents being connected, a chain of links is formed in order to raise awareness, while keeping them informed in such a rapidly changing world.