In 2007, around 11,000 hours of voluntary work were dedicated to the Supportline 179 service of Agenzija Appogg. Supportline 179, a 24-hour service, is the national supportline dealing with problems such as domestic violence, rape, child abuse, suicide, loneliness, homelessness, mental health, emotional difficulties and behavioural problems.

Agenzija Appogg facilitates opportunities for volunteers within several services offered to children, adults and families. Voluntary work in social welfare services is a great asset and many interventions are carried out through the service of volunteers every year. The agency is currently seeking volunteers to join the existing team for both the Supportline 179 and Programm Ulied Darna services.

Apart from the work for Supportline, about another 6,000 hours of voluntary work were also dedicated for Programm Ulied Darna, the Appogg service that offers practical support to families whose children are at great social risk and who require support to prevent crises and other family problems. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer within Agenzija Appogg may obtain an application from the website www.appogg.gov.mt or from the reception at Agenzija Appogg 36, St Luke’s Road, Guardamangia. Closing date for the applications is Friday, 1 February and they should be handed in or posted to the above address.

An information meeting will be held on Tuesday, 5 February at Agenzija Appogg. The meeting will be held at 9.30am and will be repeated at 6pm for the convenience of those interested in getting more details about doing voluntary work within one of the agency’s services. Those interested in attending any of these meetings are requested to call on 2295-9000 or on Supportline 179 to confirm their attendance. More details can be downloaded from the website.