Call 1772 if you’re feeling alone, isolated, or just in need of sharing your emotions with someone else. ‘You are not alone’ is the motto behind the newly announced helpline by the Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity and the Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing.

Details were given during a virtual press conference, amid coronavirus fears, not only healthwise but even socially.

This helpline will be operated by the Foundation for Social Services (FSWS) 24/7, and a number of social professional workers will be hearing, empathising and give advice to people feeling lonely or in a great state of desolation. This service will start to operate from midnight today.

It comes in the wake of restrictions suggested by the government, encouraging people over 65 years of age and others which chronic illnesses to stay in their homes to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Minister Michael Falzon said that the government is equally committed to giving priority to social well-being, especially in these tough periods. Everyone has the right to keep communicating while enjoying social relationships even if they lack friends and other people who can speak to.

Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Parnis urged all to stay safe at home, especially the most vulnerable, speaking mainly of the elder and people with disability. He insisted that together we will overcome these dark times, but it requires resiliency, trust in authorities along with sacrifices.

FSWS Chief Executive officer Alfred Grixti and Family Therapist Charles Azzopardi of the Institute for Family Therapy Malta said that this is a psychological service given to help maintain mental sanity during these extraordinary moments.

The Institute for Family Therapy will also assist the Foundation for Social Services, aiming to maximize the outreach for those people in great need of social interaction assistance.