A better future for me…would you help me? was the theme of the first national conference held in Gozo recently with the collaboration of the Mental Health Association Gozo (MHAG) and the Ministry for Gozo. This conference was held at the Sannat Primary School hall and discussed the mental health of children and adoloscents.

In the opening speech, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, expressed her satisfaction for the continuous work carried out by the MHAG, which is commemorating its first year from its foundation. The Minister stated that “this conference is proof of the progress done during this year and the commitment of all those involved in adapting their work to suit the Gozitan society.” The Minister continued, “that the MHAG is working to increase the awareness of mental health problems and the operations of the association. As one of the initiatives taken by the MHAG, an information booklet on mental health services and general information to the public was distributed to every Gozitan household.”

“The Ministry for Gozo will help in the purchasing of Psychological Assessment Tools to be used in the Child Guidance Clinic in Gozo. This means that the assessing of children will be conducted in Gozo and no longer in Malta. In the continuous work done by the Ministry for Gozo related to the eco-Gozo action plan, we are sustaining the Gozitan society to be a healthier one and providing help to all those in need in order to have a more inclusive society,” the Minister concluded.

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galea, stated that the public sector has at heart the mental health of the population, including minors. “Mental health is a priority to this government, irrespective of the global economic crisis, the cost in this sector increased by 15% this year.” He explained how the Government is offering a wide range of community services so that citizens will be better served in a personalised way without the need to visit the hospital. These services include the Child Guidance Clinic and a clinic for children suffering from mental health problems, service which is also being offered in Gozo.

The Parliamentary Secretary Galea also recalled that the government’s work involves also schools where with the help of teachers and non-governmental organisations, a promotional campaign on mental health will be launched. “This is also being promoted through PSD teachers.” The Parliamentary Secretary continued, ” it is useless to invest a lot in new services for those in need if these persons do not make use of such services. Around 70% suffering from depression do not ask for the necessary cure. Mental problems are curable, but as every other illness, the necessary cure has to be taken.” He concluded that “mental health problems do not only effect the individual health, but also lead to social and physiological problems in the family. Most of the time this happens because of fear and stigma.”

A message by Ms Catherine Gonzi, who had been unable to attend the conference due to other commitments, was read out at the end of the session. Other speakers were Ms Helen D’Amato Commissioner for Children, Pauline Camilleri President of the MHAG, Dr Joseph R. Saliba who talked on the mental health of children and adolescents, Dr Anton Grech talked on the Significant Conditions in Children and Maria Brincat on Coping with learning disabilities.

The conference also included a mime by children attending Ghajnsielem Primary school coordinated by choreographers Maria Theuma and Mary Grace Xuereb, as well as interventions from the audience and experiences from parents.

Permalink: First conference held by the Mental Health Association Gozo