New agreement between the Ministry for Health and Suret il-Bniedem Foundation
The Ministry for Health is investing circa €2.8 million over three years for three community homes operated by the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, which provides accommodation and support to persons with mental health challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg announced this investment during the signing of an agreement between the National Mental Health Services and the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, which operates Dar Imelda, Dar Franġisk and Dar Victoria.
The agreement, signed in recent days, further strengthens the collaboration between the Government and the non-governmental organisation to consolidate its services and to support more persons with mental health services while they continue living within the community, with dignity and appropriate care. It is the first Public Social Partnership agreement of its kind to formally regulate this collaboration for the operation of Dar Imelda, Dar Franġisk and Dar Victoria, which together can provide support to 32 residents.
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg explained that this joint initiative between the National Mental Health Services and the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation highlights the importance of collaboration between Government, the private sector, local communities and non-governmental organisations in strengthening mental health services across Malta and Gozo.
“This agreement combines Government investment with collaboration with the voluntary sector and will be instrumental in ensuring that mental health care in our country continues to evolve and remains effective, while facilitating social inclusion,” said Dr Borg.
The Chairperson of the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, Dr Marique Sciberras, welcomed the agreement, saying it provides greater certainty that services within these three community homes can continue to improve sustainably over the coming years.
“The Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, which is run by the Capuchin Friars, provides accommodation for persons with mental health challenges in three of the five homes it operates. Through this agreement, we will continue strengthening a collaboration that has already delivered significant positive results over the years. Evidence shows that people living with mental health challenges achieve better outcomes when they live in a community-based environment that meets their needs, and this agreement will enable us to build on work that has been ongoing for a number of years,” said Dr Sciberras.
In addition to the Ministry for Health’s financial support, the new agreement establishes a clear framework for the funding and governance of the Foundation’s services, while strengthening continuity, transparency and accountability in the provision of long-term residential care for persons requiring ongoing support in these three homes. It will also help ensure that these services continue to be delivered to the highest quality standards, while fully respecting the dignity of every individual.
Photos: ODPM
