The national helpline 179, which offers support, information on local social services and other agencies, and a referral service to callers who need further support, has continued to strengthen its operations as well as human resources.
At present, this service, managed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), is made up of twenty workers, the majority of whom are telephone operators accessible 24 hours a day, and another team of social workers who constantly assist.
This support-line receives calls about a vast range of challenges, including situations of child abuse, domestic violence, drugs, alcohol, gambling problems, homeless people and human trafficking, among others.
This information was given during a visit made to the workers who operate this service, by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon.
The minister said that according to information collected in the mid-year report 2023 (January-June), there were 7,800 phone calls and it turns out that most of the calls were related to loneliness.
“We are offering this service not to judge, but to offer hope, courage and also to identify cases that require long-term support,” stated Minister Falzon.
FSWS CEO Alfred Grixti spoke about the training and continuous support given to service operators, who are even given individual supervision, group sessions and also have access to a team of social workers who are available 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, all calls received on the Emotional Support Helpline of the European Union 116 123, as well as on the Child Helpline 116 111, are also handled by the helpline 179 service team.
