Maypole, in collaboration with the Ministry for Health and Active Aging, took the initiative to distribute thousands of bags around the Maypole stores on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. These bags have the writing ‘Going through a difficult time? Call 1579’. The main aim is to encourage people to seek help if they are going through a challenging time.
The Minister for Health and Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela said, “As long as the helpline 1579 has been in force, around 16,000 calls have been made and we are in favor of such initiatives with the private sector because they are important to continue raising awareness in every possible way .”
Dr. Abela explained that the government is working with priority in terms of mental health. He mentioned the need to raise more awareness about mental health and this must be done by reducing the stigma on the subject because this is part of the physical health of each and every one of us. He also mentioned that the government is working to lead the services related to mental health in the community, where this continues to help reduce the stigma related to the need for mental care.
“We want everyone who needs mental health help to come forward and make use of the helpline 1579 where there are professionals 24/7 ready to help you. Together we can make a difference and overcome the stigma about mental health,” concluded Minister Abela.
Director of Maypole, Sebastian Debono, explained that it is estimated that these bags, which can be used several times, will reach around 60,000 people in the different communities in which Maypole is present. He said that this is part of the work of Maypole, which does not stop only with the sale of products but which focuses on the whole community. The company considers the people who enter the stores not only as customers but as individuals who form part of a much larger family. Mr. Debono went on to say that anyone can go through a difficult time and he wanted to use this initiative to remind that help exists and encouraged more people to make use of it in case of need.
These bags will be available from the 29 Maypole stores from Monday, October 7. This same message will also be appearing on different screens in the shops to raise more awareness about mental health.
Photo (MHA-DOI)
