Foundation president Colin Galea and executive manager Annemarie Dimech received the cheque on the foundation’s behalf.

Mr Fean and Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina visited the Resource Centre in Floriana in the premises made available by Middlesea Insurance.

The foundation enables parents and professionals working within the disability field to meet and share experiences and knowledge about disability and discuss plans for the future. The foundation has up-to-date IT programmes, supplied from the UK, to help children learn.

The high commissioner said “it is an honour for the United Kingdom government to be associated with this skilled, dedicated group of Maltese parents and professionals, who give selflessly of their time and knowledge to help others in need. I pay tribute also to the judgement and expertise of Ms Cristina, through whom I learned of the important role the foundation plays as a centre of excellence in its sphere”.

These sentiments were echoed by the minister: “I had no hesitation in choosing Equal Partners Foundation as the recipient of the British High Commission’s generous donation. The sterling work done by the foundation enhances the government’s principle of social inclusion in its widest sense.”

Today, services are being offered to approximately 115 people with disability, ranging infants to adults. One of the main principles of Equal Partners is to offer services personalised to each individual and family. Support is offered at home, school and in the community, thus allowing the children to remain in the everyday world.

The foundation’s committee is made up of nine individuals representing parents and professionals, with the former always holding the majority to safeguard the interest of the families. The committee meets at least once a fortnight at the administration office in Floriana.