On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Observatory for Social Inclusion visited the Municipality of Kythnos. It conducted interviews with the Mayor, Mr. Stamatis Garderis, the Deputy Mayor for Health, Mr. Michalis Zampetas, and the staff of the “Help at Home” Program: Ms. Katerina Giannitsani, Ms. Alexandra Patsioura, and Ms. Eleni Beli.
Mr. Garderis spoke about the island’s young people, noting that during the tourist season there is no unemployment, while in the winter there are job opportunities mainly in the construction sector. He pointed out that in recent years, many young people have returned to the island after completing their studies, and a significant number of families are now choosing Kythnos as their permanent place of residence, leaving behind the big cities. He emphasized that the Municipality is aware of the housing challenges; for this reason, it provides a guesthouse for firefighters, offers housing and food allowances to doctors who come to work on the island, and aims to establish a guesthouse for teachers and educators as well.
Mr. Zampetas highlighted the Municipality of Kythnos’s need for permanent doctors, specifically in the fields of internal medicine and pediatrics, as well as the desire to have a psychologist and psychiatrist available on a permanent basis. Throughout the year, the island is served by rural doctors (between one and three), one nurse, and one ambulance driver. For the month of July, two specialized doctors are also working on the island, although it is uncertain whether they will continue in August — a number that is insufficient, especially during the tourist season.
Next, the staff of the “Help at Home” Program (two family aides and one nurse) spoke about the important work they do. The program began in 2003 and currently serves 80 beneficiaries from various parts of the island. Every day, the staff visit elderly residents to take vital signs, administer medication, assist with hygiene and shopping, transport them to medical appointments, and even provide companionship. They emphasized that having a social worker would be a valuable addition to the program.
Finally, the Observatory would like to thank the Municipality of Kythnos for its cooperation and contribution to the research, as well as all participants.
(Text and photos by: Theodora Symeonoglou)
