The Advocacy Hub Burgas operates as part of the large-scale "Partnership for the Rare" initiative. The PACT project, under which this activity is implemented, is carried out with the financial support of the European Union and the Open Society Institute – Sofia (OSI-S). By opening this center, the Bulgarian Huntington Association takes a significant step toward providing more accessible, local, and coordinated support for people with rare diseases and their families, directly in the communities where they live.
Life with a rare disease is often accompanied by a series of difficult questions that patients face alone: how to navigate the administrative system, what their rights are, whom to turn to for consultation, and how to receive adequate help. To offer solutions to these problems, the Hub brings together specialists with diverse expertise under one roof. The consulting team provides assistance in key areas, including social and patient rights, mental health, as well as specific legal and medical issues.
Expert team of the Advocacy Hub:
- Rositsa Raykova – Hub Coordinator. She holds a Master's degree in Human Resource Management and is responsible for coordinating the projects of the Bulgarian Huntington Association in the Burgas region.
- Aneliya Atanasova – "Social Rights" Consultant. A social worker who has been part of the Bulgarian Huntington Association team since 2015 and possesses solid experience in guiding individuals and families through the social services system.
- Boyka Vangelova – "Mental Health" Consultant. A professional psychotherapist, psychodrama therapist, and trauma therapist with extensive experience in providing psychological support to people going through difficult life situations.
- Dr. Stamen Pishev – Medical Consultant. A cardiologist by profession and Chairman of the "Young Doctors" Association. He partners with the Bulgarian Huntington Association in developing regional initiatives in the Burgas region.
- Attorney Elena Kokalarova – Legal Consultant. A specialist with extensive professional experience in the fields of medical and social law.
The center is located at: Burgas, 24 Tsar Kaloyan St. Current visiting hours are:
- Monday: 09:00 – 13:00
- Tuesday: 13:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 13:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 09:00 – 13:00
- Friday: 09:00 – 13:00