Larissa, a city of 200.000 inhabitants, is the capital of Thessaly situated in a rural area in Central Greece. Larisa, known from the ancient years, is located nearby the ancient Pithia, the home country of Achilleus. Larisa was also the city of Hippocrates, one of the most outstanding figures in the history of modern medicine and it is located just a few kilometers away from the Olympus Mountain, known as the residence of 12 Greek gods. It Ιs a city where history meets the modern way of living. The First Ancient Theatre of Larissa situated in the centre of the city, is a symbol of Democracy reminding the citizens of the importance of actively protecting its basic values.

The Municipality of Larissa, provides – among other things – support and care to vulnerable groups, including multi – cultural population (refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, Roma e.t.c) and the implementation of projects and side actions for their integration in the local society. The city offers a wide range of activities and public events that encourage and celebrate learning. Larissa – Learning City is making good use of various educational, sports or recreation facilities in the city, such as 20 community centers and municipal libraries especially for young people. These activities are provided free of charge to vulnerable families, ensuring equal participation for all.

The key to successful design and implementation of all awareness activities, projects and parallel activities in order to accelerate the integration of vulnerable groups, is the existing and established network among citizens, public services, city stakeholders, schools, academic institutions, local authorities, civil society and organisations active in the field under the same goal. The Municipality of Larissa has been constantly investing in ongoing cooperation with organisations (such as the Institute of Psychosocial Development (IPSA), Community Center το Mental Health Center, The Shelter for Women, Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Children, the Therapy Centers for Dependent Individuals (OKANA, KETHEA) and the Self-Help Promotion Program of the Psychology Department of the Aristotle University) in order to achieve care provision and psychological support to citizens facing financial, psychosocial difficulties as well as addiction issues, through the development of informative activities on social protection, solidarity, integration, counseling, employability and more.