The Mental Health Befriending Project has been launched in Gozo, with the Mental Health Association Gozo, in conjunction with the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo General Hospital
Jeanette Falzon and Pauline Camilleri, gave the opening speech and presentation on the project, during the launch at the Manresa Retreat House.
It will provide clients with regular, community based support and companionship to enable them to become more independent, develop confidence and overcome social isolation.
The project was set up in response to a clearly identified need among people with enduring mental ill health, whose illness had led them to become profoundly socially isolated and solitary.
The organisers of the project said that a referral to this service must come through a health care professional such as a GP, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Probation Officer, Psychologist, etc
The service will recruit, train and match volunteers with clients who have mental ill health.
Photograph: Mental Health Association Gozo