One in every four persons in the world will at some point in their lives go through episodes of mental health difficulties. Due to its high prevalence, every 10 October, the World Mental Health Day is commemorated with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues as well as rallying for the support of mental health. For this reason Community Mental Health Services shall be celebrating this significant cause by organising a one-time event. Participants from community agencies, their clients and caregivers as well as the general public are expected to attend this year's event held at the Pjazza Robert Samut in Floriana on 10 October. This event shall be inaugurated by Dr. Clifton Grima.

The objective of this event is to allow the public to have a better understanding of mental health and wellness. Most importantly, we want to dispel misconceptions about people with mental health issues and rally the understanding of the public to accord them with respect, acceptance and care in the community.

Persons with mental health issues often struggle to find social support, acceptance, employment and even accommodation on their road to recovery. Contrary to the common misconception that they require institutionalised care and are dependent on others to look after their needs, persons recovering from mental illnesses are capable of living independent, purposeful lives. With adequate rehabilitation and social support, persons recovering from mental illness can integrate back to the community and live a normal life whilst fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.

Community Mental Health Services in Malta deliver care, treatment and therapeutic intervention within the home environment and in the wider community to enable individuals to enhance their ability to cope with and manage their mental health problems, to maximize potential for a productive and socially fulfilling life in order to maintain their integral place in their communities. Currently, over 10,000 individuals are benefitting from Community Mental health services in Malta. Services are spread across different regions throughout the Maltese Islands and are offered through Mental Health Clinics and Centres for Mental Health Rehabilitation. Additionally, other services within the community are offered through the Outreach team, Child Guidance Clinic, Crisis Intervention Team, Roaming Team as well as the Psychiatric Out-Patients.