The Home-Start service, which has been operating in Malta for some time, offering help to vulnerable families, has now been extended to Gozo

This has been made possible due to the joint collaboration of the Ministry for Gozo, Dar Guzeppa Debono and Agenzija Appogg.

Home-Start offers parent-to-parent support to parents who, for some reason or other, are finding it difficult to cope. Families who ask for this service are given the support and guidance needed when facing challenging situations. These may include illness, multiple birth, mental and physical disability, isolation and lack of parenting skills.

Parenting young children is very demanding and tiring. Parents often feel overwhelmed with the demands. This led to the creation of Home-Start in the UK, way back in the 70’s. There are now over 330 schemes in the UK and 100 schemes in over 20 countries worldwide, including Malta. Home-Start Malta started off in 2006 and is supported by Agenzija Appogg.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, who chaired the signing of the agreement, said that the Ministry will be contributing over €20,000 per annum for a period of three years to Dar Guzeppa Debono. “Home-Start Gozo will help with the different challenges that families face by offering various forms of assistance ranging from emotional support to practical help.” They will be offering support to vunerable families, or those who have at least one child under the age of 5.

Dar Guzeppa Debono which will be managing Home-Start Gozo, with the assistance of Home-Start Malta and Agenzija Appogg.

Dar Guzeppa Debono is an NGO which helps single mothers and fathers.

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