[Frame of internal functioning and innovative practices in a Day Center for psychotics]

The Day Center (DC) of EPAPSI (Scientific Association for Regional Development and Mental Health) offers complete psycho-social interventions for the psyhotic patients of the 5th Psychiatric Sector, in order to prevent them from relapsing, helps reduce hospitalisation and also works towards psychological and vocational rehabilitation; always aiming at improving the quality of patients' life. Working towards the continuum of care of its patients, the DC applies innovative practises such as: the creation of a community-based supportive network, the running of social clubs, participation in European Programmes concerning the social and vocational rehabilitation of patients, creation of KoiSPE (Limited Liability Social Co-operatives) in co-operation with the Local Authorities, application of new methods of caring and curing, involving the patients in co-running the "therapeutic contract". The successful application of "community psychiatry" and the continuation of psychiatric reform will be accommodated with the contribution and co-operation of "communal" services and the wider public sector as well as the application of new and pioneering programmes.