Dar il-Kantuniera has been opened in Gozo – this residential home will offer mental health services and is a collaborative project between the Ministry for Gozo, the Mental Health Association Gozo and the Malta Trust Foundation.

Dar il-Kantuniera, which is situated in the centre of Gharb, will be the first home on the Maltese Island offering services in the field of mental health, including accommodation for anyone with mental health challenges.

The home was opened after an agreement was signed between the Ministry for Gozo, the Malta Trust Foundation and the Mental Health Association Gozo to work together on the management of the house and the inauguration was completed by Malta Trust Foundation Chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.The rent for the premises will be paid by the Ministry for Gozo, as well as covering the cost of maintenance and cleaning. Security cameras are also to be installed at the home.

Wages for those employed at the home will be paid by the Malta Trust Foundation after the Ministry for Gozo handed over the sum of € 606,000 on a three-year basis.

The Foundation will also be collaborating with the Gozo Mental Health Association on the running of the residence and implement a therapeutic programme for residents.

The Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma, who was present for the signing, said that, “we all have a share in each other’s success and failure.” He called for everyone “to come together to seek out the good of each other, especially for the weak.”Malta Trust Foundation Chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca stressed that the community is useful when it comes to offering support to people with a mental health challenge.

“I am convinced that this first project of its kind in Gozo will help as many people with mental health challenges as possible not to be institutionalised in hospital, but to live in their environment, with the dignified support they deserve, ”said Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said that,”as the Ministry for Gozo and through this home, for the first time we will be offering new services in the field of mental health which will be provided in the community itself, including housing for people with mental health challenges, with the aim of improving their quality of life.”

“We firmly believe that caring in the community is much more beneficial for the individual,” the Minister said.

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