It is crucial to include mental health into a holistic discussion on inclusivity. This was emphasized by Malta Chamber Marisa Xuereb, President of the Chamber when meeting Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli.

President Xuereb added that it is important for employers to know and understand the necessities of their employees to be able to understand how best to help them.

Minister Farrugia Portelli, together with Permanent Secretary Mr Matthew Vella, Chairperson of the Autism Advisory Council Mr Alistair De Gaetano, and Ms Edwina Gouder Senior Manager at the Ministry presented the recently launched Malta National Autism Strategy 2021-2030 to The Malta Chamber.

The Malta Chamber feedback consisted of the importance of promoting programmes such as Vocational Assessment, Support, Training & Employment VASTE that benefit both employers and job seekers and the importance to further facilitate and improve the process of preparing employers to offer productive and long-term inclusive employment.

The Chamber also spoke about the introduction of Employment Support Workers to facilitate a smoother transition into employment.

President Xuereb was joined by CEO Dr Marthese Portelli, The Malta Chamber's representative on the Board of Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability Mr Tonio Axisa, Mr Shawn Pisani and Policy Development Executive Ms Julia Aquilina.