Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia launched a new LEAP centre in the South-Eastern region of Malta today, stating that this marked the eighth LEAP centre launched around the islands this year.

The Minister said that while the Cottonera centre was already open under the name 'Access', activity within the centre took a new turn over the past months as a number of new services aimed at social work within the community were offered.

He said that work in the social sector was an absolute priority, and that it must not only be done from the four walls of an office, but rather through more effective efforts in the towns and villages.

Minister Farrugia mentioned new services introduced, such as legal support given to those in need by law students.

The number of LEAP beneficiaries undergoing intensive training on the job is positive, and aims for these persons to find productive work within the private sector.