Irida: Safe space for 650 women at risk in Greece

Dear Supporter of Irida,

On behalf of the Irida team, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and sound.

2023 has launched for good, finding us busy and with some developments that we would like to share with you.

• Our services have been expanded and opened to local women living in Thessaloniki who face social and economic vulnerabilities. After reaching the social services of the city's municipalities and assessing the available provisions, we concluded that a high number of local women are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, and our services are much needed. We are happy that we were able to expand our scope of work in this direction and come a step closer to our vision for a world in which no woman is left behind.
  
  
• Our team is growing!
  In February, we welcomed on board Ioanna, a skillful Psychologist; Ioanna is facilitating one-to-one sessions providing women with psychological support, helping them manage any symptoms of post-traumatic experiences, immense anxiety, and toxic stress, and initiating their healing process. Within her first month, Ioanna has already facilitated at least one session with 10 unique women. 
  
  
• In the first 3 months of the year, we observe an increased need for requests for the purchase of medication. Hundreds of families appear to be unable to secure medicines and medication for emergencies or family members suffering from longer-term health conditions. The current increase in such requests often exceeds our capacity, forcing us to overstretch aiming to support them. At the moment, we are the sole actor in the city providing support with medication to every woman in need regardless of her legal status. 
  
  
• Within April, Irida is planning to host 4 special community meals; every Friday afternoon, in April, we will be inviting 10 different women and their children to dinners with traditional recipes. The goal is to bring women closer, giving them the opportunity to socialize and develop bonds through joint joyful memories.
  
  Summing up, we would like to thank you for your continuous support of our work. Embracing our mission makes us inspired.
  
  Thank you so much.
  
  Stay tuned until our next report.
  
  With love,
  
  Lydia 

Links:

• Check Our Website!
• Check our Facebook page!
• Check our Instagram account!