To support addicts on the street, and in particular those who have not requested treatment, who are cut off from services and other sources of help, or who are in a critical state, KETHEA EXELIXIS has been running substance abuse low threshold and harm reduction programmes in Athens since 1995. These programmes include both street-work and running hangouts where addicts can spend time during the day. KETHEA EXELIXIS’ approach does not preclude the long-term goal of street users entering treatment and achieving abstinence — it simply does not make this goal a prerequisite for providing support. KETHEA EXELIXIS units include:
- Street-work programme. A mobile unit which takes to the streets at a different time of the day and in a different part of Athens every day. It provides psychological support, primary health care and referrals to tertiary care, syringe exchange and condom distribution, health actions promoting safer drug use, networking with treatment programmes and other services, and direct induction into a Therapeutic Community in critical cases.
- Two Low Threshold Centres in Omonoia and Exarcheia (Off Club). The Low Threshold Centres (“hangouts”) are safe, substance-free spaces where addicts can spend a significant part of their day off the streets with instant access to care. The hangouts provide primary health care and referrals to tertiary care, psychological counselling, seminars aimed at limiting the risks and harm associated with drug use, syringe exchanges, food and clothing, personal hygiene facilities, information and advice on legal and social welfare issues, and referrals to treatment programmes and other services.
- Physical Health Unit. Provides primary medical care and comprehensive dental treatment (diagnosis, treatment, prosthetics) to members of all KETHEA programmes.
- Mental Health Unit. Provides primary and preventive mental healthcare to members of KETHEA therapeutic programmes.
ΟFF CLUB Low Threshold Centre: Εmmanouil Mpenaki 84, 106 81 Athens, t. +30 210 3301157-9,
e-mail:offclub@kethea-exelixis.gr
Low Threshold Centre: Κoumoundourou 28, 104 37 Αthens, t. +30 210 5200800,
e-mail: ekap@kethea-exelixis.gr
For more information: Κοumoundourou 28, 104 37 Athens, t. +30 210 5200800,
e-mail: info@kethea-exelixis.gr
