By Melina Lourou Terzaki | Project Leader
Dear friends.
We have been devastated seing so much despair and wars on earth.
So we achieved free Summer camps for 340 Young adults or kids, (suicidal cases that our therapiests and artists, are working with for months in group therapy. Feeding and taking intersive care to this big number of cases, brought us to a point where , We struggle to pay all expences, so we achieved with a massive fatigue and endless work to open FOR YOU new and Pleasant ways to help us maintain the vitability of our projects for youth and families in need.
Yes! WE ARE READY
H.U.G. Points for SUMMER LUXURY VACATIONS ARE WAITING FOR YOU,
So, what if you Turn Your Holiday, into a TAX-Deductible TRAVEL TO GREECE
Athens HUG POINT : placed at the heart of the historical Center, 2' walking distance from the National Archeological Museum of Athens - all public transports at 3'-10 meters far, Placed between 2 Parks give you birds singing quiet flat of 3rd floor with panoramic view.
or Kalamata / Peloponese,
Turn Your Holiday Into a Tax-Deductible Adventure!
Join us on a meaningful journey where giving back meets travel. By volunteering with our charity or participating in one of our mission trips, your travel expenses may be tax-deductible—making your holiday both impactful and financially smart.*
What You’ll Do
reach in activities, sports: more than 10 choices daily free of charge
Share Skills: diverse workshops, in health that you can follow afterwords online from home
Why Join Us?
Tax Savings: Potential deductions on flight, accommodation & program fees*
Global Network: Connect with fellow volunteers and locals
Safe & Supported, check in, cleaning, full equipied kitchen, individual WC bathroom:
24/7 in-country coordination by our H.U.G. team
we invite you , to Join us on a meaningful Spring or Summer journey where giving back meets travel.
Make your next holiday meaningful—and tax-deductible!
in our unique H.U.G. Point - Best Located Luxury Escapes
When HUG POINTS are open to bookings?
:1st of May 2025 to December 2025.
_________________________THE PROBLEM WE DEAL WITH _cases of beneficiaries
Greece is currently grappling with a concerning intersection of child and youth hunger, mental health deterioration, and rising suicide rates. Economic instability, food insecurity, and inadequate mental health infrastructure have created a crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents and children. This report synthesizes recent data and expert insights to highlight the scope of the issue and recommend urgent interventions.
1. Rising Suicide Rates and Youth Vulnerability
In 2024, Greece recorded 469 suicides, marking an increase from 451 in 2023. Men accounted for 86% of these cases, with the highest rates observed among individuals aged 50–54 and 20–24. Notably, 12% to 16% of adolescents aged 14 to 19 exhibit self-harming behavior, indicating a heightened risk of suicide in this demographic .Ελευθεροτυπα+4Millet News+4tovima.com+4
The World Health Organization reports that one in four young adults in Greece (ages 15–29) suffers from a mental health disorder. Alarmingly, self-harm ranks as the sixth leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 19 .Ελευθεροτυπα
2. Hunger and Food Insecurity as Mental Health Stressors
Food insecurity in Greece affects approximately 6.6% to 8% of the population, with children being particularly vulnerable. Research indicates that childhood hunger is linked to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation during adolescence and early adulthood .ResearchGate
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity due to economic disruptions, leading to heightened stress and mental health challenges among youth. UNICEF's 2023 survey revealed that global crises, including economic instability and the pandemic, have significantly impacted the mental well-being of young people in Greece .ResearchGateUNICEF
3. Refugee and Migrant Youth in Crisis
Children residing in Greek migrant camps face dire conditions, leading to a surge in self-harm and suicide attempts. Reports document instances of children as young as nine engaging in self-harm, with some attempting suicide due to the "endless misery" of camp life .Ελευθεροτυπα
4. Structural Barriers and Underreporting
Greece lacks a comprehensive system to record suicide attempts resulting in hospitalization, leading to significant underreporting. Estimates suggest that for every suicide, there are 20 to 30 unsuccessful attempts . Additionally, the absence of a National Action Plan for Suicide Prevention hinders coordinated efforts to address the crisis .Millet News+1Ελευθεροτυπα+1Millet News+2Ελευθεροτυπα+2tovima.com+2tovima.com
5. how we Help
To mitigate this crisis, the following actions are recommended:
Implement a National Suicide Prevention Strategy: Develop and enforce a comprehensive plan focusing on youth and vulnerable groups.
We Enhance Mental Health Services: Integrate mental health care into primary health services, particularly in underserved areas.Scientifics all over the world reach our HUG Point either online or face to face weekly for numerous workshops, therapies and therapeutical systems to accurately track suicide attempts and related mental health issues
Address Food Insecurity: We achieved to Expand social support programs to ensure children and families have access to adequate nutrition.
Support Refugee and Migrant Youth: Improve living conditions in camps and provide targeted mental health support.Ελευθεροτυπα
Improve Data Collection: For the Hospitals and clinics as the number of stuff has been eliminated to 1/10 , so practically its almost impossible to examine the emergency cases, as they arrive in handrents per day. Doctors in emergency collapse every day from fatigue.
WHAT WE DID
GOTHERING PEOPLE so they get INTEGRADED is our step two, so we give mental help if is requiered.
ART THERAPY as a stong tool of Integration of minorities or families who face a strong devaluation of their economical or health statue. We must absolutely mension that there are STILL NO MEALS at public schools in Greece. Stavros Niarchos Foundation at 2014 after recognising that the most efficient distributions with food packages , can be faster distributed through schools, supported much till now our efforts to give in parallel THERAPIES and food.
THE PROBLEM WE FACE / HOW YOU CAN HELP : Unfortunately we lost this permanent support since the COVID Period, so we DO STRUGGLE FOR YOUR HELP to go on with
school distributions, distributions of emergency relief packages, thath we prepare for
natural disasters and
kids or women victims of abuse. Ares clearly the three categories of people in need that we will never stop supporting.
Thus we struggle to finish as soon as possible the last constructions needed, to furnish and open a NEW HUG center for KIDS and WOMEN in despair need or both as Victims of Abuse that we cure, protect and take care.
Society lost the power, because we are not united
Our hearts need to remain connected, above all odds.
We love feel you by our site
Hope to see you soon in person! during your Holidays in Greece.
HUG Points are open for you to enjoy the sea , the sun and the mediteranean food.
We ll do our best you get the best memories, supporting our cause with your bookings
Warm Regards
Have a beautiful spring time!
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