The eighth annual conference of the Mental Health Association Gozo was attended by the Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana.
In her address, the Minister said that knowledge about mental health is still poor in Gozo, with some among Gozitan society almost trying to “sweep it under the carpet.”
Dr Caruana added that during her experience in the social field, she realised that the problem was greater than expected. “The challenge of mental health affects every one of us,” said the Minister, “mental health sees no age barrier, it affects all people, from the young to the elderly.”
Justyne Caruana mentioned that now one is also encountering a new phenomenon in society that is becoming very common – this is that a number of children are being left alone at home and bearing responsibilities which go beyond what is required of them.
“We have children that are coming home from school who have to care for younger siblings or grandparents, perhaps take on other chores such as cleaning or preparing food, while there is also nobody there to help them with their homework, listen to them or advise them. Then, they end up trying to overcome their loneliness in places where their vulnerability takes them to the brink of danger,” stressed Minister Caruana.
The Minister also referred to the work that the Ministry wants to accomplish, following her meetings with the Mental Health Association Gozo as well as Richmond Foundation, in order to provide more services that address Gozo’s needs, especially more community services.
Also participating in the conference were the Commissioner for Mental Health John Cachia, and the Chairman of Mental Health Services Dr Anton Grech. The wife of the Prime Minister Mrs Michelle Muscat, was the distinguished guest for this conference.
Photograph: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri