Like many people with intellectual disabilities, Petros was in need of constant care. This made it difficult for him to live independently and deprived him of the time and means to make friends or pursue educational opportunities. 

That was until he got involved with the project Axizo with a symbolic name which means ‘dignity in life’. Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the project gave him the opportunity to live in a shared house with other people with intellectual disabilities, while continuing to receive essential care. 

Axizo project aims to improve participants’ quality of life by giving them comprehensive healthcare, education, daily care and support in order to live autonomously, as well as providing entertainment and organising social and community activities to help participants like Petros to make friends. 

The project team developed a personalised support plan for Petros, allowing him to live more autonomously with his newfound friends, which he enjoys: ‘I live with friends, I have my own room and at the same time I feel independent.’ Petros’ newfound independence also eased the pressure on his family to provide care to him – one of the aims of the project. 

Axizo consists of two distinct sets of services. The daily care centre for disabled people provides to 28 people with intellectual and mental disabilities eight hours of care each day. The supported living structure gives continuous support to Petros and eight others who live there. 

To combat the stigma of disability in society and improve the social integration of people with intellectual disabilities, the project delivers personalised programmes that include therapy, activities, and educational programmes. Dependent on the need of the beneficiary, the programmes may include psychotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, entertainment, social skills, and health education. The aim is to build skills that will strengthen residents’ social inclusion. 

Petros values the freedom and independence he gained by living in his new home, as well as the friends he has made through the social inclusion programmes. He said, ‘I'm very happy to be involved in the club's activities. I have a great time because people there love me and care about me. It is now my home.’