The ‘Sharing Lives’ service within Agenzija Sapport received the contribution of 26 volunteers, both Maltese and foreign during 2020.This was also the first year that the service was extended to Gozo.

To recognise this contribution, an online event was held on in appreciation of these volunteers and their work for the benefit of the number of persons with disability who made use of this service.

Agenzija Sapport said that thanks to these volunteers, together with the employees of Agenzija Sapport who operate this service, 65 persons with disability benefited from ‘Sharing Lives’ in 2020.

Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia Portelli, through an online message, commended this initiative and thanked the 26 volunteers and Agenzija Sapport staff for their services, this regardless of the challenges presented by the current pandemic throughout which this service still continued to offer its support.

Ruth Rose Sciberras, CEO of Agenzija Sapport, thanked all the volunteers without whom it would not have been possible to organise over 100 social activities this year regardless of the challenges.

Regardless of the Covid-19 situation, Agenzija Sapport said that it still adapted activities and initiatives to carry on providing this service. During this year, the service focused particularly on online events and also dealt with requests for social contact, referring to one-to-one initiatives rather than group events.

However, a number of events were still organised, ranging from rugby, fishing, trekking, and art and music sessions among others.

‘Sharing Lives’ is a service aimed to increase the opportunity of social interactions and activities for persons with disability especially for persons who have a limited or no social network.

Those interested in contributing some of their time towards ‘Sharing Lives’, including students, professionals, and organisations from both Malta and Gozo, may contact Agenzija Sapport on freephone 153, 2256 8000 (Malta) or 2156 9909 (Gozo).

It said that training, supervision and support will be provided to volunteers for their own personal growth.

Students in post-secondary educational institutions, as well as University students, may apply to carry out voluntary work and/or placement within the service. A certificate is given to those who offer 30 hours or more to this service.

Aside from the valid contribution of volunteers, there was also the collaboration of various entities without which such activities would not have been possible. These include The Brian Foundation, YMCA, Agenzija Sedqa, RMJ, Malta Rabbit Club, Science in the City and the Jesuits.

For more information, one may visit the website or follow the agency on social media.

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