Housing & Therapeutic Services For Local Prisoners & Their Families

Nov 11 2023

With 25 years of expertise in family intervention for prisoners and their families, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl (MDD) has established itself as a leading authority in the field. Building on their prior research initiative titled “Locked Out, Families of the Incarcerated,” MDD is taking a significant step forward by integrating supportive housing and therapeutic services for prisoners and their families.

The primary objective is to create a domestic environment that is not only welcoming but also child-friendly, aiming to promote integration and simulate real-life scenarios. This initiative aligns with MDD’s commitment to upholding the respect and dignity of prisoners, extending support to both prisoners’ families and ex-prisoners as they navigate the challenges of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In collaboration with IFT Malta, MDD envisions a therapeutic centre that will provide professional counselling, support, and information to both families and incarcerated individuals. The partnership between the Housing Authority and Fondazzjoni Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl, formalised in 2019, culminated in the successful transformation of the Birgu residence into a therapeutic facility, a project awarded to Openworks Studio through a design competition.

During a press conference themed “Malta Ġusta,” Ministers Byron Camilleri and Roderick Galdes emphasised the government’s commitment to social policies in action. Minister Camilleri, responsible for Homes Affairs, Security, Reforms, and Equality, expressed the significance of the newly inaugurated halfway house, stating that it serves as a testament to the government’s social policy. This initiative, realised through an agreement with the Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation, involves a team of professionals, including social, medical, and sporting experts, working together to aid in the rehabilitation of individuals serving sentences.

Minister Galdes, overseeing Social and Affordable Housing, emphasised that the opening of this residence sends a powerful message about the comprehensive nature of accommodation, extending beyond the physical structure. He hinted at the possibility of more residences embracing this concept, with plans to open around five other specialised accommodations, repurposing empty properties in villages and towns.

George Busuttil, the Chairperson of Dlam għad-Dawl, introduced “Dar Bla Ħitan” as a continuation of their previous project, “Locked Out.” Through this initiative, over 100 families of prisoners have received free family therapy, leading to successful family reunions. The launch of this therapeutic residence signifies a significant stride forward in MDD’s ongoing efforts to support prisoners and their families on their journey to rehabilitation and reintegration.

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SBK: Elevating Your Serie A Experience with Exclusive Derby Promotions

Nov 11 2023

Enjoy a €5 Free Bet on Derby della Capitale and Derby d’Italia

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Lazio v Roma – Derby della Capitale Special: Sunday Showdown
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As an illustration, placing a bet on scenarios like Lazio winning the first half, an equaliser from Roma in the second half, and a late-game winner from Romelu Lukaku could net you over €1,000 on SBK, which is on average 40% higher than other bookies.

Next Week’s Highlight: Juve v Inter – Derby d’Italia Extravaganza

The excitement continues in the following week with the same fantastic offer, and this time centred around the highly anticipated Derby d’Italia. Juventus takes on Inter at home, with a potential victory getting them closer to their target of reaching the pinnacle of the Serie A table.

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Mum’s Call as Powerful as a Hug, Study Finds

Nov 11 2023

In a fascinating revelation, research has unveiled the remarkable physiological effects of a mother’s voice on a child’s oxytocin levels, akin to the impact of a physical hug. The study suggests that a simple phone call, where a child hears their mother’s voice, can induce changes in cortisol and oxytocin levels, highlighting the profound influence of maternal communication on stress relief.

Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone,” plays a crucial role in social bonding and stress regulation. Cortisol, on the other hand, is a hormone associated with stress responses. The study’s findings indicate that the act of listening to a mother’s voice has the power to modulate these hormone levels, fostering a sense of comfort and connection similar to the effects of a physical embrace.

The implications of this research extend beyond the realms of parent-child relationships, offering insights into broader aspects of social behaviour and evolutionary biology across species. Understanding the physiological impact of communication, especially maternal, can shed light on the intricate mechanisms that underlie stress management and social bonding in various organisms.

The study prompts further exploration into the intricate dynamics of the mother-child bond and its role in shaping emotional well-being. The ability of a maternal voice to evoke such a response raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary significance of communication in maintaining social bonds and reducing stress, not only in humans but potentially across the animal kingdom.

As scientists delve deeper into these findings, the potential applications could extend to therapeutic interventions and strategies for stress management. Harnessing the power of maternal communication could prove beneficial in various contexts, from supporting child development to exploring avenues for reducing stress and anxiety in individuals of all ages.

In essence, this research underscores the profound impact of something as seemingly simple as a phone call and a mother’s voice. It unveils the intricate connections between communication, hormones, and emotional well-being, opening up new avenues for understanding and harnessing the therapeutic potential of human connection in our complex and interconnected world.

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The Beatles set record 54-year gap between No 1 singles as Now and Then tops UK chart

Nov 11 2023

In a remarkable turn of events, The Beatles have once again etched their name in the annals of music history by clinching the top spot on the UK singles chart, an astounding 54 years after their last number one hit. The groundbreaking achievement occurred on Friday, November 10, when their latest release, “Now and Then,” soared to the pinnacle of the charts just eight days after its debut.

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This unprecedented success is attributed to the unique origin of the track, which is based on a private recording made by the band’s legendary frontman, John Lennon, in the late 1970s. The surviving members of the group, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, joined forces to complete the song earlier this year, adding a poignant touch to their extensive discography.

The significance of this accomplishment is magnified by the fact that no other act in the history of UK music has experienced such a prolonged gap between two chart-toppers. The previous record holder, Kate Bush, saw a 44-year interval between her first number one hit in 1978, “Wuthering Heights,” and her second in 2022, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God),” which gained renewed popularity after being featured in an episode of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

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For The Beatles, the last time they claimed the number one spot on the UK charts was in 1969 with “The Ballad of John and Yoko.” Now, with “Now and Then,” they secure their 18th chart-topping hit, solidifying their position as the group with the most number ones in the UK. They maintain a lead over Westlife with 14 chart-toppers and Take That with 12.

In addition to this remarkable feat, The Beatles have now equaled the record set by Elvis Presley, as both acts share the distinction of having the greatest number of different songs to reach number one in the UK. This achievement underscores the enduring and unparalleled influence that The Beatles continue to exert on the world of music, transcending generations and reshaping the very fabric of musical history.

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