Aġenzija Sapport has announced a new investment in Balluta, where a specialized transition service for young people with intellectual disabilities and mental health difficulties will be launched. This project will help these young people move from a clinical to a community environment, where they can access necessary services and move closer to independent living. This work is part of the implementation of an electoral manifesto measure with a commitment to deliver more new services in the community for people with disabilities in collaboration with the same beneficiaries of the services as well as professionals and other entities working in the sector.
This investment was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia, in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport Oliver Scicluna, during a visit they made during the works.
This space in Balluta will serve to expand services to more localities and meet the particular needs of various persons with disabilities. With an investment of more than €90,000 for the restructuring of the building, the works are expected to be completed in the first months of 2026.
Currently, the structural requirements are being finalised together with an architect, to ensure that the place offers accessible facilities that are in line with the required standards and that meet the particular needs of the people who will benefit from this service. The building will include three bedrooms, a kitchen, a courtyard and bathrooms, with a design that allows for a comfortable environment adapted to the needs of these young people.
At the same time, procurement procedures are being discussed to be adopted to implement this project effectively. The place will initially host six young people with disabilities, who will have the opportunity to follow a personalized transition program. The main goal is for these young people to acquire more skills and move one step closer to independent living in the community.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how this government will continue to invest as much resources as necessary in the disability sector, because it is through these projects and initiatives that these people can move towards a more independent life and deinstitutionalisation, in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “This investment is another step in the chain of services that Aġenzija Sapport is already offering in order to continue strengthening the inclusion and independence of people with disabilities. The government remains committed to continuing to invest in this sector, by creating more suitable spaces and services that respond to the individual needs of these people. This project not only provides new opportunities for young people with disabilities, but confirms our vision of a more just and inclusive society.”
Chief Executive Oliver Scicluna explained how this investment will make it possible to address another need in the chain of services for persons with disability, a service that is intended for young people with disabilities who currently need accommodation and a program through which they can live an independent life in the community. This emphasis on young people is instrumental in providing specialized services that meet their various needs in a transitional manner with the contribution of various professionals from various fields, in a move towards inclusion and independent living.
Photos: MIV
