The document is the 2018 activity report of the Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health. It summarizes the organization's services, operations, and accomplishments in 2018. The organization provides community-based mental health services through day centers, mobile units, and residential facilities in 4 regions of Greece. In 2018, it served over 3,300 people and had 239 staff members. It focused on treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training, and community outreach to promote mental health and fight stigma. The organization also conducts training, partnerships, and advocacy to support its mission of improving mental health care in Greece.

1. ACTIVITY
REPORT
2018
SOCIETY OF SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY
& MENTAL HEALTH

2. CONTENTS
Greeting from the Chair of the BoD
The Board of Directors
Strategic Priorities 2016-2018
Day Centers
Mobile Mental Health Units
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Units
Pre-vocational & vocational integration
program (Thrace)
The users in action
V. COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION
VII. NETWORKING
VIII. PARTNERSHIPS
IX. PROGRAMS
X. COMMUNICATION
IV. SPECIAL EDITION
III CLINICAL WORK
2
i. IDENTITY
II THE ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE
Panayotis Sakellaropoulos, 1926-2018
Highlights of the life of Psychiatry Professor, psychoanalysis therapist
& founder of Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health
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13
15
17
19
22
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7
6
5
4
3
1
9
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VI. TRAINING
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XII. CAMPAIGNS
XIII. FINANCIAL DATA
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3. Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health
(S.S.P & M. H) P. Sakellaropoulos is a non-profit,
scientific organization founded in 1981 by the child
and adult psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Professor
Panayiotis Sakellaropoulos.
The S.S.P. & M.H. has made a significant
contribution to Greece’s psychiatric reform
through the provision of high quality psychiatric
and psychological support services promoting
the mental health and well-being of the population.
Its work is guided by the principles of Social
Psychiatry and influenced by the Psychoanalytical
Prism.
Particular emphasis is given on the
prevention of psychiatric hospitalization/
institutionalization of people with severe
psychosocial problems.
The organization offers clinical and preventive
services in the community for free.
It is funded by the Ministry of Health, EU projects
and private donations.
I D E N T I T
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4. GREETING FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
In 2018 we remained consistent in the achievement of our strategic goals set
for the period 2016-2019:
1. Provision of qualitative services guided by social psychiatry principles
2. Prompt and acute response to chronic and newly emerged community-
based needs (i.e.refugees)
3. Constant evaluation and validation of our work and financial transparency
4. Ongoing staff training
5. Communication
6. Development of partnerships and networks in Greece and Europe
“Despite the persisting challenges of the external environment, we managed
to stay united and focused on our targets with the contribution of all our
colleagues in Attica, Fokida, Fthiotida and Thrace, and the support of our
users and their families. Our target is to move forward based on our
achievements and guided by our vision” P. Sakellaropoulos, prof. of Child and
Adult Psychiatry founder of S.S.P. & M.H.
The past year was marked by the great loss of Panayotis Sakellaropoulos who
passed away in November 2018. The warm support messages that reached
from all over Greece and Europe were felt as a great comfort and support to
continue his work with our precious colleagues, our users, their families and
the community.
www.ekpse.gr
2
Best regards,
Athina Fragκouli-Sakellaropoulou
Chair of the Board
S.S.P & M.H

5. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
www.ekpse.gr 4
Prof. Panayotis
Sakellaropoulos
President
Athina Fragkouli
Vice-President
Katerina
Mylonopoulou
Treasurer
Miltiadis Leivaditis
Member
Panayotis Gkegkios
Secretary
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3

6. S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T I E S

7. MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICE USERS
THE ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE
3.344
MENTAL HEALTH UNITS34
STAFF MEMBERS239
VOLUNTEERS
34 31
INTERNS
4 ACTIVE IN 4 PREFECTURES
ATTICA, FOKIDA, FTHIOTIDA,EVROS
5

8. DAY CENTERS
MENTAL HEALTH DAY CARE CENTER FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Day Center provides services to people with mental health problems who reside in the
municipalities of Kallithea, Nea Smyrni and Moschato-Tavros, in the region of Attica. All services
are provided for free and include psychiatric and psychological assessment, psychotherapy,
prevention and diagnosis. The Day Center develops also collaborations and synergies with local
authorities, other organizations and professionals from the broader healthcare sector to raise
awareness and sensitization in the community and respond to users’ needs more efficiently.
DAY CENTER FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF CANCER SUFFERERS
The Day Centre for the Psychological Support of Cancer Sufferers operates since 2003. It offers
a wide range of psychosocial services, such as psychological support and counselling, individual
and group psychotherapy, dance therapy and relaxation techniques, in order to help sufferers
and their families to deal with the psychological effects of cancer. It also sets as a target the
sensitization and training of health professionals in public hospitals’ oncological departments
and works systematically on raising public awareness and sensitization on cancer and mental
health. Services are offered for free to citizens from all over the country via meetings or Skype
sessions.
DAY CENTER FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS
The Mental Health Day Care Center in Fokida (Central Greece) provides free of charge services
to children, adolescents and adults with developmental learning difficulties and mental health
problems (autism, learning, speech disorders, behavioral problems, socialization difficulties,
mental retardation). The main focus is put on mental health prevention, elimination of social
exclusion, empowerment of psychosocial skills and exercise of human rights. The Day Center
provides individual and group therapy treatment (psychotherapy, speech therapy, drama
therapy, art therapy, psychiatric treatment).
CLINICAL WORK
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9. MOBILE MENTAL HEALTH UNITS
Prevention of Mental Health Disorders
Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders
Mental health awareness and sensitization in the
community
Recovery, social and work integration of people with
mental health problems
Promotion of mental health service users’ rights
Training of mental health professionals and the
community
CLINICAL WORK
7
Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health runs Mobile Mental
Health Units (MMHUs) in the regions of Thrace (Northern Greece)
and Fokida (Central Greece) guided by the principles of Social
Psychiatry. Their services, which are offered within the community
and in strong collaboration with the local societies, include:

10. PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION UNITS
The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Units (residential houses and semi-autonomous
protected apartments) accommodate people with mental health problems that
need housing care. They work both as a living space and a therapeutic framework
for the provision of high-quality care in all areas of everyday life aiming at the
residents’ psychosocial rehabilitation. There are 29 Psychosocial Rehabilitation Units
(6 residential houses and 23 semi-autonomous protected apartments) in the
prefectures of Attica, Evros-Rodopi, Fthiotida and Phokida.
The provided services are specialized according to users’ needs and span
throughout the recovery process: from acquiring, retaining and retrieving living skills
to self-management, self-advocacy, empowerment and adoption of roles that
individuals consider important for themselves. A long-term goal is to enhance users’
autonomy and support their effective integration in the community. The operation
of the units is inspired by the psychoanalytic prism and the programs developed
within them are focused on a recovery model (physical, existential, social, etc.) that
goes beyond the clinical rehabilitation.
CLINICAL WORK
S T A T I S T I C S
(Residential Houses & Semi-Autonomous Protected Apartments)
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11. VOCATIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM IN THRACE
The work integration program is implemented in the region of Thrace, northern Greece,
and has a capacity of nine people. It is addressed to people with chronic mental health
problems (psychosis) who are accommodated in residential houses or to people with
psychosocial disabilities that live in the community. The work objective is to cultivate the
land, produce agricultural products and dispose them into the market. The program is
designed according to participants’ psychosocial needs and is part of their recovery
process. The activities of the program include:
· Training in the scope of work
· Networking with the involved actors
· Raising awareness and sensitization by promoting anti-stigma activities in the
community
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12. USERS IN ACTION
10

13. T R I B U T E
E D I T I O N
2018 was a milestone year for our organization
as the psychiatrist, psychoanalysis therapist and founder of
Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health, Prof. Panayotis Sakellaropoulos, passed away.
We honor his memory by sharing some of his moments with staff members, colleagues and users to
whom he devoted his life.
"I feel you stand by me and guide
me against all odds"
Staff & users
Attica region
Addressing a speech during an
International Conference, Northern Greece, 2002
With staff members at the
headquarters of SSP&MH Athens, 2011
Surrounded by patients during
Christmas festivitiesAthens,2014
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"Let's replace the chains of bindingmental health patients with human
bonds "
P. Sakellaropoulos
"You Teacher,
encouraging us,advising us, supporting
us, teaching us Social Psychiatry...you
were fighting among others for human
rights asking for equality and respect to
all human beings without exception"
Staff & usersFokida region
With colleagues during the 2nd Seminar
on Social Psychiatry
1997

14. T R I B U T E E D I T I O N
With the SSP&MH team in Alexandroupolis,
Thrace region, 2011
With patients during an Art
exhibition, Amfissa 2009
3rd Panhellenic Meeting for the
Mobile Mental Health Units
Milos island, 2010
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"A tireless pioneer of mental health, he
inspired and guided lots of generations through
his own stance.
He was a charismatic speaker that used to
discuss for complicated issues with a simple
language ensuring his messages reached
everybody. He could associate with people with
a genuine interest and parity. During his long-
term presence in the region of Thrace, he gave a
special color to the life of many people"
Staff & users
Thrace region
"He focused on the patient, not the disease.
He used to say that even if we cannot cure the
patient, we should try to do our best.
He will always be the lighthouse of our life"Staff & usersFthiotida region

15. COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION
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Since 1981, Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health Panayotis
Sakellaropoulos, implements a large number of community
sensitization activities and interventions in order to promote mental
health issues, desegregate stigma, and support the social integration
of people with mental health problems. Community Sensitization
activities include information and education on mental health issues
through conferences, seminars, participation in local events and
everyday contact with the local community.
The activities are focused on the following axes:
1. Development of networks and partnerships with local authorities
and social services
2. Implementation of training, support and supervision programs for
mental health professionals, health and education professionals
3. Organization of scientific seminars and congresses
“Socializing with locals at the cafes, neighbors, and town centers,
revive the community, tumbles the myth around dangerous mental
disorders, fosters the collectiveness and active participation of
citizens and, thus, changes people’s attitudes towards mental health
patients” (P. Sakellaropoulos, Prof. Adult and Child Psychiatry,
Founder of S.S.P. & M. H).

16. COMMUNITY SENSITIZATION ACTIVITIES
World Mental Health Day Campaign, 2018
"Young People & Mental Health in a Changing
World"
Sensitization street event
on World Day
for Persons with Disabilities
Talking about mental health toelderly people
Seminar on Mental Health Resilience
in children & young people
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2nd Mental Health Festival
Educational seminar on depression
to Highschool students

17. In 2018, on the grounds of staff training, a total number of 100 educative
seminars were conducted in Athens and the periphery, Fokida, Fthiotida and
Thrace, where Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health is activated.
Some seminars were also addressed to users being adapted to their needs.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
OUT-SERVICE TRAINING
5
PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCES
P A N H E L L E N I C
C O N F E R E N C E S
6
TRAINING
In 2018, our colleagues participated in 24 seminars conducted by external
partners (Bodossakis Foundation/Social Dynamo, IRC, Day Center BABEL,
Athenian Institute of Anthropos- AKMA). In February 2018, mental health
professionals supporting the Mobile Mental Health Units, paid an
educational visit to Holland with the financial support of ASKLEPIOS
foundation to complete the work on the standardization of the Mobile
Mental Health Unit model through the adoption of the “Fact model”, a
European community-based, mental health service provision model, offered
by the Noord Holland Noord Organisation.
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TRAINING TO THIRD PARTIES
E U R O P E A N
C O N F E R E N C E
1
In 2018, in collaboration with Bodossakis Foundation and “Social Dynamo”
initiative, we conducted a seminar under the title: “Empowerment of people
with vulnerability through community sensitization. The seminar was
addressed to staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations and other actors
interested in training and empowerment practices of vulnerable social
groups. Also, S.S.P. & M.H. mental health professionals participated in the
Annual Seminar organized by the Mental Health Center of Athens
Municipality of the General Hospital “Sotiria”.

18. NETWORKING
2017-2022: Standing Committee for Monitoring the Protection of the Rights of
Persons with Mental Disorders (Act 2716/1999)- Ministry of Health
2014-2020: Working Group “Tools development and Processes Establishment
for the Recording of Homeless” General Secretary of Social Welfare, co-funded
by the Partnership Agreement for the Development Framework 2014-2020. Two
S.S.P. & M.H. colleagues were appointed as mental health experts by the
Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Social Solidarity (Prot. no 4456/18).
2018: Health Cluster, FEANTSA (European Federation of National
Organizations Working with the Homeless) contributed in the development of
tools and best practices for mental health problems among homeless people.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Working Group under the auspices of the UN
Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the coordination of the Day Center “BABEL”. The
WG aims to develop a communication and collaboration network among actors
working with refugees in Greece (i.e. PRAKSIS, Solidarity Now, International
Rescue Committee, Medecins Sans Frontieres, International Committee of the
Red Cross, Medecins Du Monde, Danish Refugee Council, Estia Hellas). The WG
also provides professionals with supervision and support due to the increased
workload and the difficulties faced in the field.
Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health P. Sakellaropoulos has a long-term
experience in developing networks with other organizations nationally and abroad, in
order to promote psychiatric reform and awareness in mental health within the
community. In 2018, experienced colleagues participated in various scientific
committees and working groups:
16

19. A space for civil society, offering learning
opportunities, professional support and networking
http://www.socialdynamo.gr/index_en.html
Network of organizations supporting
homeless and socially excluded people
www.astegoi.gr
Non-profit initiative supporting homeless
people facing exclusion
www.steps.org.gr
Pan-Hellenic Federation of Social Cooperatives
with Limited Liability (Koi.S.P.E.)
www.pokoispe.gr
Institute of Mental Health for
Children and Adults
www.inpsy.gr/en/
Federation of Mental Health Actors "ARGO"
www.argo.org.gr
Social Cooperatives with Limited Liability (Koi.S.P.E.)
Attica "Diadromes", Fokida "Yiannis Volikas",
Fthiotis"Anemoni", Thrace "Naftilos"
http://bit.ly/2BWcJuE
PARTNERSHIPS | Greece
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20. Network of organizations and actors that provide
services to people with mental health problems
or to other vulnerable social groups
www.eucoms.net
Independent NGO that represents the interest of
80 million people with disabilities in Europe
www.edf-feph.org
Independent Network Organization of Mental
Health Users, Professionals and Service Providers
across Europe
www.mhe-sme.org
European Network of Mental Health Actors
www.foundationasklepios.eu
European Network of Social Firms
www.socialfirmeurope.org
PARTNERSHIPS | Europe
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European non-profit Association for People
living in
Extreme Poverty
with severe Mental Health problems
www.smes-europa.org

21. PROGRAMS
In December 2018, the program for the psychosocial support of refugees and asylum
seekers conducted by Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health and International
Rescue Committee was completed. The program was funded by ECHO (European
Funding System). A multi-disciplinary team comprised of mental health professionals,
social worker, interpreters and cultural mediators, provided psychiatric care, short-term
psychotherapy, counseling, art therapy and speech therapy, to children, adolescents
and adults. All services were offered by a Mobile Unit at the premises of two Day
Centers and a short stay guest house.
The program aimed at the empowerment and confrontation of new life challenges that
refugees and asylum seekers living in Athens come across. From July 2018 services
started being provided to refugees who resided in apartments under the aegis of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), including case by case
management of acute incidents. Special attention was also given to the integration of
children of refugees and unaccompanied minors.
The staff of the Day Centers-where project services were provided- was briefed on the
protection of rights of unaccompanied minors, while community awareness and
sensitization activities were also developed. It addition emphasis was given on the link
with other actors providing services to refugees under the prism of a holistic
intervention and needs assessment through a well-organized referral system.
According to the project's official data, 45% of service users were children and
teenagers and 55% were adults. As regards to symptoms, 29% reported problems of
adaptation in a new environment (e.g. Sleeping problems, self-injury, daily life
management), 17% reported anxiety and stress symptoms, and 15% reported feelings
of sadness and frustration due to current living conditions and lack of future
perspective. This symptomatology comes on top of the existing mental health
difficulties the particular social groups come across due to the displacement and
violence they experienced in their homeland and during their journey to Europe.
After the 14-month intervention, it became clear the vital need for a well-coordination
system among all involved actors and the development of long-term mental health
support programs and activities that could secure the continuity of care and reduce the
stress and insecurity of beneficiaries.
REFUGEE SUPPORT SERVICES
19

22. ERASMUS+ DIGNITY & WELL-BEING: Exchange for changing
The program aims to enhance the skills and capacity of professionals who work with
refugees and homeless people that face psychosocial difficulties. Another target of the
program is the development of an educational material through workshops, seminars,
case studies and collection of innovative practices, which will be handy for the staff
who work with vulnerable groups. This material is expected to help professionals to
support effectively the needs of vulnerable groups, defend their human rights and
pursue more decent living conditions.
ERASMUS+ KA2 Be Right: Training Program in Human Rights for professionals
working in social and health care sector
The program’s main targets are the following:
• The development of a practical educational toolkit about the human rights in mental
health for professionals. The material will be based on case studies and will be
available via an e-platform. The program also includes live in-person seminars for
professionals from the social and healthcare sector.
• The development of an online game for human rights in mental health and a pilot
practice for people with mental health problems.
ERASMUS + project: PERMIND: Permaculture applied in the recovery process of
people with mental illness
Permind is an innovative educational e-platform (www.permind.eu), addressed to mental
health professionals, with an aim to help them create a “therapeutic” garden according
to permaculture philosophy. The training of the project relies on the method of co-
creation, according to which users and professionals work together to produce the
educational material. The material will be made available through a mobile application.
Development of sensitization activities are part of the program.
PARTICIPATION IN ERASMUS+ PROGRAMS
Leader: Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Partners: Santé Mentale Exclusion Sociale SMES-Europa, projekt UDENFOR,
ISTITUTO ANDREA DEVOTO - ISTITUTO DI RICERCA SULLA MARGINALITA' E LE
POLIDIPENDENZE - O.N.L.U.S., Caritas Archidiecezji Warszawskiej, PARC SANITARI SANT JOAN DE DEU, Midladns Simon
Community, Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health P. Sakellaropoulos (Greece)
Leader: Fundación INTRAS (Spain). Partners: ,Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health P. Sakellaropoulos (Greece) Escuela
Andaluza de Salud Pública (Spain), Pro mente Oberosterreich (Austria), P5- VšĮ Valakupių reabilitacijos centras (Lithuania), European
Platform for Rehabilitation (Belgium)
Leader: Fundación INTRAS (Spain). Partners: ADP-FEM, association for the development of permaculture (Spain), SENT,
Slovenian Association for Mental Health (Slovenia), Changemaker (Sweden), Society of Social Psychiatry & Mental Health
(Greece)
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23. Society of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health started in 2018 the implementation of a
pilot program on the "Improvement of Mental Health Resilience of children and
adolescents from vulnerable social groups" after being certified a Social Care Actor by
the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare of Attica Region. The
program is funded by Attica Region and runs with the permission of the Ministry of
Education. It is addressed to students, parents and teachers and is scheduled to be
developed in at least 15 school units in the region of Attica. The program comes as a
build-up on the organization's long-term experience in mental health prevention at
schools.
The aim of the program is to improve students’ mental health resilience through
prevention and sensitization. It focuses on prompt intervention and referrals to mental
health services. Special attention is given on high risk groups, such as children with
special needs, children of refugees and/ or unemployed, children whose parents deal
with mental health problems).
The program lies in the philosophy of integrated interventions targeting to a holistic
response to the needs of the school community encouraging, therefore, the active
participation of students, teachers and parents under the scope of equality, resilience,
solidarity, mutual understanding and smooth social integration.
Educational seminars based on the principles and methodology of NDI (Non-Directive
Intervention), art therapy and systemic approach are addressed to students, parents and
teachers. Participants get the opportunity to express themselves, communicate and
interact by using different techniques (artistic, creative, theatrical) that come from
different schools and cultures.
By adopting a positive stance towards youth and adolescents and by showing them
acceptance, love, trust and respect we help them build strong emotional relationships,
which are essential to their personal development and growth.
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PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE
EMPOWERMENT OF RESILIENCE IN
VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS I
c
A
N

24. C O M M U N I C A T I O N
4.500
friends on
facebook
1.100
followers on
twitter
33
Press Releases
13
Articles
17
Interviews
3
Campaigns
Speaking out about mental health and shedding the media spotlight on relevant issues
was a key target for 2018.
The intensified presence of S.S.P&M.H in national and local Media, along with the increased number of
friends & followers on our Social Media channels composed a strong public image.
150 +
Media Reports
www.ekpse.gr | facebook.com/ekpse | twitter.com/ekpse 22

25. C A M P A I G N S
ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΑ ΗΜΕΡΑ
ΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΝΩΝ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΜΑΤΩΝ
23
World Mental Health Day
2018
Our Action at Schools
World Human Rights Day

26. FINANCIAL DATA
Operating Expenses/Overheads:
rents, living
expenses, consumables, information &
sensitization activities
Salaries
Clinical & Administrative Staff
BUDGET 2018
6.924.345,63 Euros
FUNDING SOURCES
The activities of S.S.P.& M.H. are funded by the Greek Ministry of Health and EU-funded programs.
Private sponsors also support our activities through pro bono services or in-kind donations.
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27. www.ekpse.gr | facebook.com/ekpse | twitter.com/ekpse
ATTICA
FOKIDA
FTHIOTIDA
THRACE
+30 210-9221739
+30 22650-22924
+30 22310-66377
+30 25510-38178
ekpsath@otenet.gr
ekpsfoki@otenet.gr
ekpslam@otenet.gr
ekpsale1@gmail.com