The Family and Social Solidarity Ministry has entered into a contract with the Richmond Foundation for the use of Villa Chelsea in Birkirkara even as the foundation is marking its 15th anniversary.

As foundation CEO Doris Gauci pointed out, Villa Chelsea represented the start of years of activities in the mental health sector and was the first service of several which the Richmond Foundation offers today, including rehabilitation services on a day residential basis.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said people suffering from some form of mental ill health, and their families, needed support to live independently. Time was when mental ill health was stigmatised. But services today included collaboration between the Housing Authority and the Richmond Foundation, for a Supported Housing Scheme which offered accommodation and learning programmes which taught skills. There was also the Supported Employment Programme of the Employment and Training Corporation.