ITS Students Bake 260 Traditional Figolli For Mental Health Patients
The Institute of Tourism Studies has partnered with the National Mental Health Services to launch a new initiative aimed at supporting mental health patients through community engagement and practical student involvement. The project, titled Baking Bridges: Nourishing Minds and Hearts, brings together education and healthcare in a way that places wellbeing at the centre of both sectors.
The collaboration was announced at Mount Carmel Hospital by Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg and Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, in the presence of students, officials and representatives from both organisations. As part of the initiative’s launch, ITS students are preparing around 260 traditional figolli for patients ahead of Easter. The effort will continue throughout the year, with seasonal sweets planned for occasions such as Christmas, New Year, Carnival, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Beyond the baking itself, the initiative also includes specialised training for students, delivered by mental health professionals. This aims to strengthen awareness on campus and create a more supportive environment for students who may be facing their own challenges. It also highlights a broader understanding of hospitality, extending it beyond the tourism industry into care and community support.
Ian Borg described the initiative as an opportunity for students to develop both professionally and personally. He said it encourages empathy and human connection, while helping students understand the wider impact of their skills. Jo Etienne Abela added that the collaboration reflects growing efforts to address mental health challenges and reduce stigma, expressing hope that similar partnerships will continue in the future.
The agreement was formally signed by the chief executives of both organisations, Roseanne Camilleri and Pierre Fenech. Moving forward, ITS and the National Mental Health Services plan to monitor the project closely to ensure it remains effective and sustainable, while continuing to highlight the importance of small but meaningful acts in improving wellbeing.
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