The Friendship Clubs are spaces where senior citizens can find warmth, social contacts, interpersonal relationships, or simply information and entertainment. They operate at the neighborhood level and offer activities for people in their seventh decade of life, as well as for younger retirees.
The institution of Friendship Clubs was introduced in the Municipality of Athens as early as 1985. Their purpose is to strengthen human bonds among senior citizens, improve their physical, social, and mental health, provide information and familiarize members with the issues, questions, and needs of old age, help them adapt to new life conditions, and most importantly, to provide a supportive environment, especially for those who lack an “economic or family safety net.”
Today, the Friendship Clubs offer programs in gymnastics, self-defense, nursing care, and physiotherapy. In addition, the usual schedule of each club includes creative activities, visits to cultural sites, artistic programs, day trips, and walks. Through special programs, participants also have the opportunity to engage in subjects that match their general or special interests. The central goal is to provide meaningful use of free time, revitalize social life, and strengthen thought, memory, and health.
The Friendship Clubs operate according to the Municipality’s regulations and are administered by a 9-member Council. Active participation of members in the Councils and the daily operation of the Clubs—both in decision-making and in the implementation of programs—makes the Friendship Clubs living cells of each neighborhood.
During the pandemic, several Friendship Clubs served as small diagnostic centers for COVID-19, contributing to safeguarding Public Health during this challenging time.
In addition, the Friendship Clubs operate, when necessary, as heated and air-conditioned spaces for the protection of citizens from extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves or cold spells.
After a two-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friendship Clubs welcomed back their members in April 2022, following all required safety measures.
How and who can register in the Friendship Clubs:
Men and women who are 60 years of age or older and who live permanently in the neighborhood where the Friendship Club is located can become members. Being a registered resident of Athens is not required. Up to 10% of the total number of members of each Friendship Club may be retirees under the age of 60. Required documents:
- Copy of ID card
- Copy of health booklet showing AMKA number
- One photograph
- Copy of utility bill (electricity, water, or tax statement) as proof of residence
- ΕAnnual membership fee: €5
Currently, there are 25 Friendship Clubs distributed across the Municipality of Athens based on geographical, economic, and social criteria.
List of Friendship Clubs:
- Agios Pavlos, 22 Mamouri & Dymis, 1st M.C., 210 8223946, 210 8223186, le.fi.agioupaulou@athens.gr
- Koukaki, 26-28 Drakou St., 1st M.C., 210 9232044, 210 9200269, le.fi.koukakiou@athens.gr
- «“Analepsis of Christ,” 15 Heldreich St., 2nd M.C., 210 9240403, le.fi.analipsitoukyriou@athens.gr
- Neos Kosmos, 5 Sostratos St., 2nd M.C., 210 9231495, le.fi.neoukosmou@athens.gr
- Agios Artemios, 16 Meteoron & Damareos, 2nd M.C., 210 7512990, le.fi.agiouartemiou@athens.gr
- Pangrati, 12 Pratinou St., 2nd M.C., 210 7242160, le.fi.pagkratiou@ athens.gr
- Ano Petralona, Aixoneon & Myrmidonon, 3rd M.C., 210 3476398, le.fi.anopetralonon@athens.gr
- Kato Petralona, 61 Athinodorou St., 3rd M.C., 210 3425513, le.fi.katopetralonon@ athens.gr
- Votanikos, 4 Kozanis St., 3rd M.C., 210 3423716, 210 3474080, le.fi.votanikou@ athens.gr
- Metaxourgeio, 17 Yatrakou & 37 Meg. Alexandrou, 3rd M.C., 210 5246950, 210 5246850, le.fi.metaxourgeiou@ athens.gr
- Akadimia Platonos, 77-79 Platonos & Tritaias, 4th M.C., 210 5125264, le.fi.akadimiaplatonos@ athens.gr
- Kolonos, 4 Thesprotias St., 4th M.C., 210 5130805, le.fi.kolonou@athens.gr
- Sepolia, 4 Galakseidiou St., 4th M.C., 210 5152061, le.fi.sepolion@athens.gr
- Kolokynthous, 9 Aimonos & Astrous, 4th M.C., 210 5140877, 210 5135888, le.fi.kolokynthous@athens.gr
- Kato Patissia, 12 Arkoleon St., 4th M.C., 210 8311900, le.fi.katopatision@athens.gr
- Agios Eleftherios, 372 Acharnon St., 5th M.C., 210 2012334, le.fi.agioueleftheriou@athens.gr
- Grava, 62 Taygetou St., 5th M.C., 210 2231419, le.fi.gkravas@athens.gr
- Lamprini, 63 Ialemou St., 5th M.C., 210 2933857, le.fi.lamprinis@athens.gr
- Kypseli, Skyrou & Kafkasou, 6th M.C., 210 8815877, le.fi.kypselis@athens.gr
- Kypseli, 5 Kiou St., 6th M.C., 210 8623313, le.fi.kypseliskiou5@athens.gr
- Agios Meletios, 6 Xenagora St., 6th M.C., 210 8674900, le.fi.agioumeletiou@athens.gr
- Amerikis Sq., 4 Telestou St., 6th M.C., 210 8646481, le.fi.plateiaamerikis@athens.gr
- Gkyzi, 8 Vafeiochoriou St., 7th M.C., 210 6441315, le.fi.gkyzi@athens.gr
- Ellinoroson, 14 Emilias Dafni St., 7th M.C., 210 6718242, le.fi.ellinoroson@athens.gr
- Panormou, Panormou & Vatheos 25, 7th M.C., 210 6459890, 210 6451870, le.fi.panormou@athens.gr