Students and staff from the Gozo Centre of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) completed several renovation works at the Floriana Community Mental Health Services day centre and clinic.

Over 50 students and staff recently visited the centre in Floriana and spent a day helping to upgrade these facilities, where persons with mental health difficulties, their relatives, carers, friends, employers and other individuals receive social, psychological and medical assistance. The students, accompanied by their lecturers, carried out general maintenance, painting, electrical installations and other related services.

The Floriana Community Mental Health Services Centre, at 25, Pjazza Robert Samut, Floriana, offers assistance to over 500 individuals living in Valletta, Floriana, Hamrun, Marsa, Santa Venera, Pieta, Gwardamangia, and other nearby regions. An inter-disciplinary team including nurses, occupational therapists, a psychologist, trainee psychologists, a social worker, and care-workers provide users with comprehensive support services that help them to lead an independent life and to meaningfully participate in their communities. The team is assisted by several doctors and psychiatrists from clinics in the same area. The Centre also aims to increase awareness on mental health issues through education, prevention and intervention for a high quality of life at all levels.

The staff at the Centre welcomed the works carried out by the MCAST students.”It is a well known fact that the environment contributes to the well-being of every individual. Thus, the refurbishment does not only enhance the physical resources of our Centre, but will also contribute to the provision of an improved holistic therapeutic programme,” Ruth Azzopardi, the day centre’s team leader explained.

Mr. Godwin Grech, director of MCAST’s Gozo Centre, added that “MCAST students at the Gozo Centre regularly participate in several voluntary work activities. We believe that these initiatives contribute to the development of our students into responsible citizens.” In recent years, MCAST Gozo students and staff helped the Richmond Foundation, Arka Respite Centre and Fondazzjoni Wirt Ghawdex, among others.

This event was held as part of the College’s activities marking its 10th anniversary. Students from MCAST’s 10 institutes in Malta will also be holding similar volunteer events with other organisations throughout this academic year.

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