The Housing Authority, the National Health Services and the Richmond Foundation will join forces to offer accommodation and support to young people with mental health challenges
Agreements have been signed between the Housing Authority, the National Mental Health Services and the Richmond Foundation for the rental and sub-letting of a three-bedroom maisonette in Birkirkara, which will be used for a specialist residential service for adolescents.
This residence, the first of its kind for the Richmond Foundation for young people aged 13 to 17, will offer a therapeutic and supportive environment for those who have left a specialist psychiatric care service. The aim is to enable them to make their transition back into the community in a safe environment adapted to their emotional, developmental and clinical needs. The maisonette will accommodate up to four adolescents, with the support of Richmond Foundation staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The National Mental Health Services were the driving force behind this programme, where after identifying a gap in services for adolescents who require specialised and structured support that could not be provided through traditional residential services, they developed a policy framework and led the work to translate this into a concrete service, in collaboration with the authorities responsible for housing and the Richmond Foundation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg said that this service is an important step towards strengthening mental health care in the community. “We want every young person to find the support they need at every stage of their care. The National Mental Health Services identified a need and worked with our partners to respond to it with a service specifically designed for adolescents. Through it, we will help them continue their education, participate in community life and look to the future with more confidence,” said Ian Borg.
Minister for Housing and Lands Owen Bonnici said that this agreement reflects the commitment to continue creating more opportunities for people who need support, particularly young people who are going through challenges related to mental health.
Minister Bonnici stressed that housing is not just a roof over a person’s head, but also an important step towards greater stability, dignity and integration into the community. “Through the collaboration with the Richmond Foundation, we are giving these young people the opportunity to continue their journey in a safe environment, with support adapted to their needs.”
The National Mental Health Services will fund both the completion works of the maisonette and the operation of the service and will also be responsible for clinical assessments, admission criteria, ongoing supervision by a multidisciplinary team and monitoring of the quality and outcomes of care. This will ensure support tailored to the needs of each adolescent, while hospital care remains available whenever clinically necessary.
The program builds on an existing collaboration with the Richmond Foundation for people aged 18 and over. In addition to daily care and support, the service will help them develop the skills needed for greater independence and prepare for adult life.
Through the agreement, the Housing Authority will be subsidizing 80% of the rental cost of the property, while the National Mental Health Services will be paying for the rent and services provided by the Richmond Foundation.
