You Have A Second Chance
Description
Former users of psychoactive substances with prison experience face significant barriers to social reintegration and strong social stigma.
Problematic substance use distorts family and social relationships, and hampers education and employment opportunities, leading to fear of relapse, isolation, and reduced motivation upon release.
Imprisonment alone fails to achieve social inclusion and bears substantial social and economic costs affecting victims, communities, and society’s overall well-being.
Odyssea in cooperation with KETHEA EN DRASI implements an unprecedented in the Greek context, holistic approach for the social reintegration of imprisoned and released former users of psychoactive substances.
Two distinct phases:
1. In detention facilities – during incarceration
2. In Reception Centers for Released Persons
Includes: therapeutic treatment, vocational training, professional orientation, and post-therapeutic support for smooth reintegration.
Duration: Jan’24 – Dec’24
Supporters
183
people trained
80
people matched to jobs
600
medical checks
The problem
Former substance users serving prison sentences face intense stigma and major barriers to social acceptance. Substance use disrupts family relationships and limits access to education and employment. Across Europe, low educational attainment and unstable employment drive high rates of relapse and reoffending. Imprisonment alone is not enough. Education and vocational training during incarceration significantly reduce recidivism and support employability, social inclusion and personal empowerment.
Our solution
Odyssea, in collaboration with KETHEA EN DRASI and with the support of the Latsis Foundation, proposes the continuation and expansion of its rehabilitation program inside correctional facilities. The initiative combines educational empowerment with healthcare support through a holistic approach that strengthens participants’ personal development, employability, wellbeing, and social reintegration. The program introduces vocational and digital skills training alongside mobile medical services, fully aligned with the therapeutic model of KETHEA EN DRASI.
Services
The program delivers horizontal and digital skills training, covering communication, teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence and familiarity with tools like email and office software. Vocational courses follow participants’ interests and career goals: carpentry, culinary assistance, handmade jewellery, IT and networks, electrical work, social media and digital marketing. Theory is combined with hands-on practice in dedicated learning spaces inside correctional facilities.
The project also brings healthcare on site through Odyssea’s mobile medical unit, offering examinations, preventive screenings, diagnostics and basic treatment. Specialists visit regularly to address inmates’ health needs and refer them for further treatment when required, reducing delays in medical support and improving beneficiaries’ quality of life.
Outcomes
- Technical skills programs: 8 training courses, 93 people trained
- Horizontal skills programs: 6 training courses, 90 people trained
