MEP Thomas Bajada Calls for Action on Mental Health During European Parliament Session

Oct 10 2024

During a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEP Thomas Bajada urged policymakers and the public to promote open discussions on mental health.

He shared his own personal struggles, emphasizing that mental health issues affect many people in their daily lives.

Mental health statistics in Malta highlight the urgency of this issue. According to the latest Eurobarometer report, two out of every three people in Malta have faced emotional or psychological difficulties this year.

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However, more than half of those individuals did not seek professional help, primarily due to the persistent stigma and fear surrounding mental health issues.

Bajada called for mental health prevention and support to be prioritized in policymaking, particularly in the EU. He emphasized the need to place citizen well-being at the center of decisions and encouraged everyone to be a voice for those suffering in silence.

By addressing the plenary on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, MEP Bajada is calling for a Europe that places the well-being of its people at the forefront of its priorities.

He is advocating for collective responsibility and action to ensure a healthier, more compassionate society, both now and in the future.

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Prince Edward Visits Dar Tal-Providenza, Malta Paralympic Committee

Oct 10 2024

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi, Malta, where he engaged with para athletes and met with residents, staff, volunteers, and local sporting communities.

The Duke was welcomed by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, and Prof. Joseph N. Grima, President of the Malta Paralympic Committee. Among the attendees were various dignitaries, including Malta’s Auxiliary Bishop and government ministers.

During his visit, the Duke interacted with athletes from Malta’s Wheelchair Basketball and Frame Football teams and enjoyed a wheelchair dance performance.

He also met with para rowers and administrators from the Siġġiewi Rowing Club, which promotes an inclusive approach, allowing athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments to train alongside top rowers.

The visit concluded with the Duke presiding over a certificate ceremony for the “Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Schools Competition,” an initiative involving over 50 participants from eight schools.

The competition aimed to raise awareness of adaptive sports and inspire inclusive sports in schools.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza, a Church-run NGO, offers residential services for individuals with disabilities, fostering a family-like environment. The premises, once a Royal Navy Rest Camp, have been repurposed to empower residents and promote their abilities.

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Gozo Rural Airfield Extensions Approved By PA

Oct 10 2024

The Planning Authority has approved the Gozo Rural Airfield project, proposed by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

This project was an electoral promise by the Labour party, emphasising the importance of improving connectivity between Gozo and Malta.

Minister Clint Camilleri explained that the project aims not only to enhance transport links but also to create new economic opportunities in sectors previously untapped by Gozo.

‘These initiatives are expected to generate high-quality jobs and align with the Gozo Regional Development Strategy, involving various stakeholders’, a statement outlining the approval explains.

The minister stressed that environmental considerations are a key aspect of the project, with mitigation measures planned to minimise both visual impact and noise from airfield activities.

The Gozo Rural Airfield project will not involve the use of virgin or agricultural land. Instead, it will extend the existing runway on land previously allocated for development when Local Plans were revised in 2006.

The site had been misused for construction waste dumping. No new buildings will be added, but the existing structure, previously used for helicopter services, will be renovated.

This project represents a step towards improving Gozo’s connectivity while respecting environmental concerns and creating new economic avenues.

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Lazio Supporters Club To Organise Special Activity In Aid of Dar Bjorn

Oct 10 2024

The Lazio Supporters Club Malta Est. 2000 is set to host a charitable event in support of Dar Bjorn on Friday, October 11, from 7 PM to 9 PM. The event, titled “L’aquila Sul Petto – Historic Jersey Exhibition,” will feature an exclusive display of jerseys brought from Rome by Emiliano Foglia, highlighting the rich history of the club.

As part of the festivities, attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet special guests, including the iconic Olympia eagle and its falconer, Juan Barnabè.

In addition to the exhibition, Barnabè and the eagle will visit several schools across Malta on Friday, engaging with students and sharing the passion for football. On Sunday, October 13, they will continue their journey with a visit to Gozo.

The event promises to be a celebration of football and camaraderie, encouraging the Maltese public to come together in support of Dar Bjorn, which provides vital assistance to those in need.

To enhance the atmosphere, well-known singer Toni Malco, the author of the Lazio anthem “Vola Lazio Vola,” will perform, along with Velia and Alan Donati, the wife and son of the late Aldo Donati, who penned the beloved anthem “So Gia’ Du Ore” for the biancocelesti. Additionally, renowned journalist Rodolfo Casentini will be present to lend his support to the event.

The Lazio Supporters Club Malta Est. 2000 invites everyone to join in this noble cause, celebrating the spirit of football and contributing to a worthy organization.

For more details about the event, interested parties can contact the club’s president, Karl Galea, at 9982 1214. This gathering not only aims to support Dar Bjorn but also to foster a sense of community and passion for the beautiful game.