Stamp credits for persons who have spent a long period hospitalized for mental health care
In the next Budget, the Government will announce that workers who have spent a long period away from work for mental health care will begin to receive up to two years of credited social security contributions.
During a national conversation at the National Park in Ta’ Qali, which opened the second edition of the Nitkellem festival, Dr Lydia Abela said that this decision will implement a measure in the Government’s electoral manifesto and will help to prevent workers from being penalised for seeking help.
In the presence of Prime Minister Robert Abela, this national conversation on mental health and the workplace had the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg, Richmond Foundation CEO Daniela Calleja Bitar, economist Dr Gordon Cordina and psychotherapist Claire Borg.
Professionals, experts and organisations also intervened, including the Mental Health Association, Professor Anton Grech, former Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea, sociologist Michael Briguglio, child psychiatrist Lorraine Azzopardi, presenter Daniel Chircop and many other people with personal experiences.
Lydia Abela said that this festival creates something simple but important – a space for people to talk. She explained how the first step to feeling better is to ask for help and express oneself without fear of being judged.
Regarding the theme discussed, Dr Abela stressed that employment is a very positive part of who we are. It gives us strength and independence, ambition and satisfaction. But sometimes, that same environment can also create long hours, pressure and difficulties in achieving work-life balance.
The Prime Minister’s wife said that our country has a sector of work that is moving forward, with several companies introducing measures that may seem small and simple, but which show how well-being can be incorporated into the way we organize work.
Dr Abela said that the right attitude towards career, success and pressure starts at a young age. If we want the next generation to enter the world of work with healthier expectations, we need to start preparing them now.
Here, the Prime Minister’s wife announced that in the coming weeks she will be launching a new platform that will offer support to those in need.
“The first project of this new platform will be dedicated to supporting young people. With the Richmond Foundation we will be developing an initiative that responds to the needs of adolescents and their families”, said Dr Abela.
Lydia Abela said that, together with experts in our country and existing Government services, this project will continue to strengthen the right help at the right time for our children and young people, especially those with more complex needs.
All funds from the Nitkellem festival will go towards starting this initiative.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, said that while investment in our professionals, services and infrastructure related to mental health must continue to be strengthened, initiatives such as the Nitkellem festival are equally important.
I interpret them as an opportunity to speak more openly, understand each other better and, above all, continue to break the stigma associated with mental health.
Photos: OPM
