With 30 years of work in the field of loss management for children and adolescents, “MERINA” offers support services to children and their families and implements training programmes for educators and mental health professionals. It is the only organisation in Greece that specialises in supporting school communities in grief counselling and crisis management, while, within the framework of its activities, “MERIMNA” implements the training programme “CONNECTIONS”.

The Programme aims to empower school psychologists and social workers in primary and secondary education in matters related to loss management, grief, and life-threatening illness, enabling them to respond more effectively to their role by understanding the needs of members of the school community and offering meaningful support. In 2024, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the Programme was implemented remotely, offering participants from across Greece the opportunity to receive training in two thematic areas: supporting grieving students and supporting students experiencing illness.

• 218 school psychologists and social workers from primary and secondary education across Greece were trained during the Programme’s two cycles in 2024.
• The training seminars were attended by educators from various regions across Greece, including Karditsa, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Serres, Crete, and Kefalonia.

“Through my participation, I gained a deeper understanding of grief at each stage of child development, felt better prepared to respond in case such a need arises in a school setting, and recognised the importance of mutual support and collaboration with teachers.”

“I gained knowledge, a sense of belonging to a group with shared experiences and concerns, and greater self-confidence.”

 “Through the programme I acquired knowledge, skills for managing such situations, and a greater sense of confidence.”

 “I understood the importance of being actively present and realised that grief is expressed differently at each stage of development and that it can come in waves.”

Testimonials from school psychologists and social workers who participated in the Programme