On Tuesday, August 27,2024, the field survey of the Observatory of Social Inclusion in the Municipality of Astypalaia was conducted by the researcher Ms. Dimitra Tassiopoulou in collaboration with the services of the Municipality.
A meeting was held with the Mayor of Astypalaia, Mr. Nikolaos Komineas, who informed us about the way the municipal authority deals with phenomena of poverty, abuse, accessibility for people with disabilities, but also the solutions given and planned to be implemented in the immediate future regarding these issues.
In addition, we discussed with the social worker of the Municipality of Astypalaia, Ms. Maroulla Stavla, responsible for all issues of social protection, care and welfare, thus recording the work implemented by the Office of Social Protection, Education and Culture, the points that need improvement as well as the existing proposals in terms of the operation and effectiveness of the care service of the Municipality.
Finally, the researcher interviewed four (4) citizens of the Municipality who live in poverty. Three (3) of them receive the Guaranteed Minimum Income.
During the interviews, the Municipality mentioned the fact that there are citizens living in poverty and also highlighted the importance of a personalized approach to social protection in small communities, where beneficiaries have difficulty finding work due to their low education level and lack of skills but mainly because of the serious physical and mental health problems they face.
It is very important that, as mentioned by the interviewees, 50% of the beneficiaries of social allowances, as well as several other citizens on the island, face mobility problems and as they themselves report, accessibility in Astypalaia is very difficult due to the geomorphology of the island as the settlements are in places with many steep and slippery uphills/downhills as well as many steps, often making it impossible to get around.
All those who participated in the Observatory’s research stated that they are aware that in Astypalaia there is no activity area for the elderly. Also during the interviews, the issue of insufficient medical workers was particularly emphasized, as despite the telemedicine system applied on the island, not all the needs of the citizens are met, who are ultimately forced to travel in order to be examined by the required doctor and receive the appropriate treatment.
We would like to warmly thank the Municipality of Astypalaia for the hospitality, participation as well as for the interest and support in our project.
