The Hope
The Centre for the Prevention of Addictions and Promotion of Psychosocial Health of Eastern Thessaloniki “ELPIDA” has been operating since October 1998 within the framework of the National Policy for Prevention and is supported financially and scientifically by the Organisation against Narcotics (OCANA).
It is a civil non-profit company whose members are local authorities of the first & second degree, and social institutions. It is based in the Municipality of Kalamaria and operates in the eastern part of Thessaloniki.
The main purpose of ELPIDA is the prevention of addictions and addictive behaviours (cigarettes, alcohol, hashish, heroin, gambling , internet, food consumption etc.) – especially among young people – and the promotion of the psychosocial health of the inhabitants of the area. It implements prevention programmes for parents, young people, teachers and other social groups.
It participates in networks and involves volunteers to send prevention messages to the local community. It is staffed by qualified social scientists.
ELPIDA, seeking innovation and originality, has designed and published in printed or electronic form, the following original educational materials:






In 24 years of operation, ELPIDA has been distinguished for the quality of its work with :
- the 2008 European Prevention Award from the Council of Europe.
- its inclusion in the 23 best programmes of the 3rd CSF (2000-2006) by the General Secretariat for the Management of Community and other Funds of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.