Caritas Malta believes that today’s fast moving world widens the scope for voluntary work. With the means to communicate everywhere and available to everyone, the individual is finding himself increasingly lonely and isolated. The pressure people to spend and keep up with this consumer oriented lifestyle, is leading to a great deal of difficulty for people who simply can’t keep up the pace, it said.

Caritas believes that in this scenario, some find their way through and some even make their fortune. However, many suffer in silence, feel dejected and are under constant strain to make ends meet. These are some of the root causes which lead to unhealthy patterns and habits, and may cause a great deal of trouble and strife.

As this trend continues to prevail, so the scope for voluntary work in the community grows. This is one of the reasons behind the importance that Caritas attaches to its training of volunteers working in the various areas in which Caritas gives a helping hand to people in need.

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day (today), Caritas emphasises that a society that appreciates the work of volunteers is richer and stronger than a cynical, egotistical and indifferent society. Malta needs credible and trustworthy people; humanitarians who really empathise with others; people of integrity who are honest, loyal and sincere. A volunteer with these qualities recognises the worth of each individual and builds relationships based on love, attention and the respect of people in need.

Caritas Malta has a particular section in its set-up which co-ordinates and facilitates the work of volunteers in the various services it offers, including the 21+ Group for the lonely; the Thursday Club, for persons with mental health difficulties; for victims of usury; compulsive gamblers; counselling and support to persons with HIV or who are at risk of contracting this infection; the RoSe Group for widowed or separated persons; the Diaconia Commission in parishes; the Epilepsy Association; the centres for rehabilitation from substance abuse; fund-raising activities; work at Caritas head office; educational campaigns and others.