‘Beyond the Desk’, an event with over 30 exhibits showcasing the talents and hobbies of HSBC Bank Malta employees, was recently held at Speranza Hall, Mount Carmel Hospital in Attard.

The exhibition, organised by the HSBC Sports and Social Activities Committee and opened by Mario Galea, Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and the Community, included displays of scale figures, military scale models, paintings, crafts, jewellery, design on glass, cross stitch, tapestry, embroidery, clay, papier-mâché, a collection of thimbles, terracotta sculptures, subbuteo table football, beer cans, photography and a number of classic cars.

Michel Cordina, Chairman of the HSBC Sport and Social Activities Committee, said: “A healthy work-life balance is achieved through time and energy spent on developing our talents, expanding our favourite collections and expressing our creativity in various forms. HSBC subscribes to the accepted principle that people with hobbies outside the work place, have better mental health.”

The HSBC Sports and Social Committee organises various events for HSBC staff and their families throughout the year, including quiz night, family days, cultural tours and sports events.

Visitors to the exhibition also had the opportunity to tour the Museum of Psychiatry at Mount Carmel Hospital as well as the historic war-time shelters at the hospital building. Dr Bernard Caruana delivered a talk entitled “Leisure is not a Luxury”, emphasising the importance and benefits of leisure time, despite one’s work commitments.

“HSBC is aware of the stigma which, unfortunately, is still associated with this hospital. This stigma is slowly dying down and our event was purposely held at Mount Carmel Hospital and is in line with HSBC’s commitment towards diversity and inclusion and our philosophy to create stronger ties within our community,” said Mr Cordina.