The Observatory of Social Inclusion visited the Municipality of Tinos, as part of the field surveys currently conducted on islands of the South Aegean Region. Specifically, interviews were conducted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 and Thursday, July 18, 2024, with:
a) Ms. Malamatenia Desylla, coordinator and social worker of the Community Center of the Municipality of Tinos, as well as Ms. Antonia Papagiannopoulou, sociologist of the Community Center,
b) Ms. Alexandra Arampatzi, social worker of the Municipality based at the Open Care Center for the Elderly,
c) Ms. Pinelopi Trigoni, Deputy Mayor of Social Protection and Welfare,
d) Mr. Antonios Delatolas, coordinator and social worker of the “Help at Home” program,
e) Ms. Ioulia Dellatola, Director of Administrative Services of the Municipality,
f) and beneficiaries of social allowances.
During the interviews, the multifaceted role of local social agencies was highlighted. The key elements that emerged again this year are the lack of health care, but also the strong presence of the church and local associations as a social safety net. In addition, the main concern of the executives of the Municipality is the effort to transfer the social services to a separate place in order to protect the privacy of the citizens.
With regard to accessibility, efforts and projects to improve citizens’ access to the city and the surrounding villages as well as the lack of central planning in this area were highlighted.
Regarding the elderly, it was noted that elderly people tend to be one of the most vulnerable groups of the population due to the loneliness and high prices that they face. At the same time, the reopening and modernization of existing support structures, as well as the creation of new ones, is considered very important.
Concerning gender violence, it was emphasized that it occurs in the Municipality, but most incidents are not reported to the competent services. Although there is a lack of structures, given the insularity, the primary concern of social services is to instill a sense of security in those citizens who seek help.
However, the issue that causes particular concern is that of juvenile delinquency and school bullying. Possible factors that cause the exacerbation and/or perpetuation of these phenomena are the general deterioration of moral values, the lack of quality time between parents and their children, violent electronic games, the failure of families to recognize the problem, etc.
Finally, according to the interviewees, the key to dealing with the above-mentioned issues is education, proper information, as well as synergies between the dedicated social agencies.
In conclusion, the Observatory would like to thank all the participants in the Municipality of Tinos for their contribution to the research.
(Text and photos: Konstantina Kourkoumari, Theodora Symeonoglou)
