A Nicosia-based unit that helps adults with psychosocial difficulties find and keep employment inaugurated new premises on Monday, with the state health organisation pledging upgraded, free-of-charge services for users and their families.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Unit of Nicosia, known by its Greek acronym M.ER.A., operates under the Mental Health Services Directorate of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY). First established in 2002, the unit has recently relocated to new facilities designed to offer a more modern and supportive environment.
M.ER.A.'s core mission is to support adults with psychosocial difficulties in entering or re-entering the open labour market, treating employment as a central pillar of psychosocial rehabilitation, social inclusion, dignity and personal empowerment. Using the Supported Employment Model, the unit provides individualised assessments, career guidance, workplace placements, and ongoing support for both service users and employers. It also works to raise awareness among businesses and the broader community about mental health, contributing to efforts to reduce stigma.
The unit is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, a psychologist, and a mental health nurse, supported by employment coaches. Long-standing partners include the Nicosia Mental Health Protection Association and the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mental Health Services director Dr Anna Paradisiotis said that work "is not only a means of livelihood, but also a source of self-esteem, independence, creativity and social participation," adding that the new premises aspire to be "a modern and humane environment where every individual can feel accepted, respected and meaningfully supported."
OKYPY board chairman Marinos Kallis described the unit as applying "a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach through the collaboration of a specialised team of professionals and the support of employment coaches," with the goal of training and supporting individuals in finding, entering, and retaining employment.
Health Minister Neofytos Charalambidis said the Ministry of Health is pursuing a targeted reform strategy in mental health, with its central axis being the transition from an institutional model of care to "a modern, community-based and networked system of services."
Source: Cyprus News Agency
