Delegate: Athanasia Pataka, Professor of Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Sleep & Smoking Cessation Clinic, Respiratory Failure Unit, General Hospital of Thessaloniki, G. Papanikolaou & grassroot volunteer initiative, tonoimagr, TO NOHMA
Delegate Short Bio: Dr. Athanasia Pataka is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Disorders at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She received her Ph.D. in the Department of Pneumonology of G. Papanikolaou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with the thesis entitled “Energy cost of ventilation in COPD patients”. She was a Research Fellow in the Department of Sleep Medicine in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland to specialise in Sleep Disorders in 2008–2009. She is one of the first Greek Pulmonologists to have passed the European Pulmonology Examinations (HERMES) and received an award for that achievement by the Hellenic Pulmonary Society (2008). She participates in Greek and international clinical protocols, on issues concerning sleep, chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease and smoking.
tonoimagr (ΤΟ ΝΟΗΜΑ) is a grassroots volunteer initiative based in Thessaloniki, dedicated to promoting experiential volunteerism across diverse communities and age groups. As a newly established initiative, it aims to bring together people from all walks of life to collectively explore and create meaning through action, connection, and shared experiences. One or two Saturdays each month, tonoimagr issues an open call to action, inviting volunteers to come together in support of a different organization or social cause in need. Alongside gathering essential goods and offering tangible support, participants engage in role-playing and a variety of experiential activities. These are guided by volunteer psychologists, other professionals, and current university students, creating a dynamic space for reflection, learning, and personal growth. What makes tonoimagr unique is that no two events are the same. Each action is thoughtfully designed to offer a new experience, making every gathering an opportunity to rediscover purpose and “unravel the meaning” behind each cause and activity.
Scope of Activity: Campaign
Activity: Group activity & Campaign
Activity:
The event was hosted at a local café in Thessaloniki, 21/3/2026, 11.00-14.00 and combined public education with a strong social and volunteer component. As part of the initiative, essential items such as towels, pillows, pillowcases, and blankets were collected and will be donated to the city’s Homeless Shelter, supporting vulnerable members of the community. The program included talks (and practical tips) delivered in the following order:
1. Ms. Anatoli Konstantinidou, Deputy Administrator at G. Papanikolaou Hospital, opened the session with remarks highlighting the importance of sleep and community engagement.
2. Professor Athanasia Pataka, Professor of Pulmonology – Sleep Disorders at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and ESRS-certified Somnologist, shared her expertise on sleep health and its impact on overall well-being.
3. Ms. Eirini Kontopidou, Clinical Dietitian (MSc., PhDc), provided insights on the role of nutrition in promoting high-quality sleep.
4. Dr. Aimiliza Stefanidou Psychologist (PhD), Scientific Researcher at the Sleep Disorders Laboratory of G. Papanikolaou Hospital
But also interactive exercises on the theme, sleep well, live better. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment gave real meaning and impact to the event.
Why this initiative:
The initiative was designed to raise public awareness about the vital role of healthy sleep in overall well-being while introducing the people of Thessaloniki to the Sleep Disorders Laboratory of the Respiratory Failure Unit at G. Papanikolaou Hospital. By combining scientific education with hands-on volunteer activities, participants gained practical knowledge about sleep hygiene, nutrition, and psychological factors affecting sleep. Through collaboration between the grassroots volunteer initiative tonoimagr (ΤΟ ΝΟΗΜΑ), academic experts, healthcare professionals, and volunteers, the event offered a unique experiential approach: participants not only learned about sleep and related health practices but also contributed directly to supporting vulnerable populations. All attendees received written educational materials and a bag of lavender goodies from Alpha Lavender as a thank-you for their participation. This initiative emphasizes education, social responsibility, and experiential learning, making each event distinctive, interactive, and impactful.
Objectives:
Raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep for overall well-being.
Educate the public on sleep hygiene, lifestyle habits, and the role of nutrition in sleep quality.
Promote behavior change through practical, evidence-based strategies.
Encourage community engagement by combining awareness with volunteer action and social contribution.
Support vulnerable populations through the collection of essential items linked to sleep health (e.g., bedding).
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals, psychologists, and volunteers.
Provide experiential learning opportunities that connect knowledge with real-life application
Outcomes:
• Participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of healthy sleep, sleep hygiene practices, and the role of nutrition in supporting quality sleep.
• They learned actionable strategies to improve their own sleep and overall well-being.
• Through role-playing and guided activities, participants explored the meaning behind their actions and reflected on the broader impact of their contributions.
• They experienced a sense of belonging and collaboration by engaging with volunteers, professionals, and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Participants directly contributed to supporting vulnerable groups by collecting and donating essential items, gaining insight into social responsibility and the needs of their community.
• Engaging in interactive, meaningful activities fostered self-reflection, personal fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.
• Opportunities to connect with psychologists, healthcare professionals, and university students enriched participants’ learning and professional exposure.
Location: Thessaloniki, greece
Date of Activity: 21.3.2026
