PN Vows To Strengthen Mental Health In Malta

Oct 10 2023

In a Press Release issued today the Nationalist Party has published its vision aimed at improving mental health care and awareness in the country.

Recognising the significance of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, the PN laid out an ambitious plan to tackle the challenges faced by those suffering from mental health issues, if elected to govern the country.

The vision of the Nationalist Party includes a new mental health hospital, the renovation of Mount Carmel Hospital, awareness programs, and more.

These are the proposals:

New Mental Health Hospital: The Nationalist Party aims to construct a modern mental health care facility in close proximity to Mater Dei Hospital. This will ensure that individuals receive timely and specialised care for their mental health needs.
Renovation of Mount Carmel Hospital: The party commits to continuing the renovation work at Mount Carmel Hospital, enhancing its capacity to provide essential mental health care services.
Equal Treatment: Mental health care should be provided with the same level of dedication and resources as other medical conditions, ensuring that individuals with mental health issues receive the care they deserve.
Medication Formulary Investment: The party will invest in updating the medication formulary with newer medicines proven to offer improved levels of care for mental health patients.
Overcoming Stigma: An education plan will be implemented to combat the stigma associated with mental health conditions, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Awareness Programs: The Nationalist Party will introduce mental health awareness programs at different educational levels, helping individuals recognise the signs and seek help when needed.
Integration of Care: Mental health care will be integrated into the existing healthcare system, eradicating the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.
Assessment Programs: An assessment program will be introduced for students and workers, allowing them to identify any mental health conditions through examination and seek appropriate support.
Investment in Human Resources: The party recognises the importance of investing in the training and resources of healthcare professionals working in clinics and hospitals.
Supporting Voluntary Associations: Voluntary associations dedicated to mental health will receive increased support, enabling them to make a more significant impact.
Accessible Crisis Support: Strengthened crisis support methods, including phone, online, and in-person assistance, will be introduced to ensure that individuals in crisis can access help immediately.
Safe Spaces Concept: The party will promote the concept of ‘safe spaces’ within large or public buildings where individuals can seek solace and respite without distraction.

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Mixja Mal-President From Verdala Through Sant’ Anton To Valletta On 11th November

Oct 10 2023

President George Vella launched an activity for the whole family, ‘Mixja mal-President’ in aid of The Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF). The walk will take place on Saturday 11th November and will start at 3pm from Verdala Palace, will pass through Sant’Anton Palace, and will end in front of the Presidential Palace in Valletta.

During the launch, President Vella said that he is looking forward to joining many people for a walk that promotes physical exercise, national unity, and solidarity with those going through difficult times and needing the help of the MCCF.

“This country deserves unity and if we look around us and see what is happening not so far from us, we should thank God that this country does not have huge problems and we often heighten them, and these can be reduced if we put our heads together to talk about them and solve them between us,” said the President while thanking the sponsors and everyone helping in these events.

SportMalta’s event coordinator, Rose Marie Mercieca, said that this event will have three main changes from the similar editions held in previous years. She explained that it will take place in the form of a walk, on Saturday afternoon, and includes the three Presidential Palaces. Participants can choose to start from Verdala Palace at 3pm or from Sant’Anton Palace shortly after towards the Presidential Palace in Valletta.

Mr Kevin Chircop, Executive Chairperson of the main sponsor Enemed, said that as a company they have always recognised that in life not everyone can run, and that there are people with a slower pace due to life’s circumstances and challenges. He stated that the ‘Mixja mal-President’ is an opportunity to come together and walk at the same pace towards Valletta while helping those in need through the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Registrations for the ‘Mixja mal-President’ can be submitted online at mccf.store, or at the Kitchen Garden, Sant’Anton Palace, the MCCF offices in Valletta and Victoria, Gozo, all Maypole stores and the SportMalta complexes in Kirkop, Cottonera and the National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq. Registration is €10 and all participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The Opposition’s Spokesperson for Sport Graham Bencini, and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima said that they will walk shoulder to shoulder with the President and the people in a walk that has an altruistic goal.

During the launch in the presence of Mrs Miriam Vella and the Chairperson of the MCCF’s board of administration, Mr John Huber, it was announced that Malta Public Transport will organise a special service for the ‘Mixja mal-President’ with special bus trips from Valletta to Sant’Anton Palace and Verdala Palace between 12pm and 2pm. After the walk, route number 56 will be extended from Valletta to Dingli and Rabat, between 6.30pm and 8pm, which includes a stop in front of Sant’Anton Palace and Verdala Palace.

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Żejtun Children Help Shape Future Green Projects In Their Locality

Oct 10 2023

Żejtun primary school children met Project Green architects and students from the University of Malta’s Faculty of the Built Environment to share ideas on how they wish to shape the open spaces in their locality.

During this placemaking initiative at Ġnien iż-Żgħożija, the children played a pivotal role in the drafting of plans for future projects to regenerate this garden and the adjacent residential area, known as Ġebel San Martin. The street next to the garden, was temporarily closed to help children better understand the benefits of a car-free environment.

Project Green architects and the University students presented children with different case studies in the form of flashcards, to help them identify different uses for the playground, where the Agency is planning a regeneration project. They were also encouraged to sketch their ideal garden, providing valuable insights into the preferences and needs of the community.

The children also played a quiz-style game to learn about pollinating plants and sensory gardens, and participated in a hands-on planting session, also taking the potted herbs with them home, along with recipes on how they can be used by their families.

During a discussion with the children, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli explained that such placemaking initiatives exemplify the power of collaborative engagement and community involvement in reshaping urban spaces. “By prioritising the ideas of children and actively engaging our communities in this urban greening process, we are creating a more vibrant and sustainable environment while nurturing a generation of responsible, eco-conscious citizens,” Miriam Dalli stated.

The Chief Executive Officer of Project Green Steve Ellul noted that children bring fresh perspectives on games and safety in open spaces and overall liveability, leading to urban areas being more inclusive and child-friendly. “Placemaking activities help children contribute to the sustainable development of their cities, fostering resilience and vibrancy,” Ellul said.

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23.6% Decrease In Residential Property Sales In September 2023

Oct 10 2023

In September 2023, there were 815 final deeds of sale and 1,026 promise of sale agreements for residential properties.

Compared to the previous year, final deeds of sale decreased by 23.6%, while promise of sale agreements increased by 5.3%.

The total value of the final deeds of sale in September 2023 was €227.8 million, a 9.1% decrease from September 2022. Of these, 749 (or 91.9%) involved individual buyers, amounting to €181.9 million, which represented 79.9% of the total value.

The districts with the highest numbers of final deeds of sale were the Northern Harbour District (261) and the Northern District (140). Conversely, the Western District and Gozo and Comino District had the lowest numbers, with 74 and 98 deeds respectively.

In terms of promise of sale agreements, 1,026 were registered in September 2023, a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Of these, 926 (or 90.3%) involved individual buyers, while the rest were mainly with companies.

In the third quarter of 2023, there were a total of 2,835 final deeds of sale, marking a 21.1% decrease from the previous year. The total value of these deeds was €783.2 million, an 8.9% decrease from the same quarter in the previous year.

The highest numbers of promise of sale agreements in Q3 2023 were in San Pawl Il-Baħar (288), L-Imsida (170), and Birkirkara (144). These figures represent an 8.2% increase from the previous year.

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