70% of people aged between 13 and 25 years have reported feelings of anxiety, according to findings from a Barometer Research of Youth Mental Health. 

The Richmond Foundation, an organisation which provides mental health care services organised a press conference on Friday to launch the findings of this research. 

The Foundation highlighted how the demand for its services by young people had registered a drastic increase of more than 1000 over the past two years. 

It said that during the past two years, demand for Richmond’s services by young people has increased ten-fold and support provided to other age groups has also doubled since 2021. 

The statement said, that in response, Richmond has through an ESF funded project prepared educational material for young persons as well as training for parents and professionals working with young people with mental health issues.

A website has been set up by Richmond for young people affected by mental health problems in Malta. The website is available at: https://www.ankrayouth.org/. 

During the conference, the Foundation also launched a fund-raising campaign, supported by a wide range of media houses which will run through the next four weeks. 

The funds will enable Richmond to reach more young people experiencing mental health changes. 

Meanwhile, the President of Malta George Vella, who was present at this event, gave his speech and reiterated the importance of mental health prevention in youth and the significance of changes to our youth’s lives to their social and emotional development.

A number of professionals working within the mental health and youth sectors were also present. These include Josianne Scerri, who provided the main findings of the Youth Mental Health Barometer, Natalie Kenely, who delved into the emotional life of young people, highlighting aspects of their resilience as well as their general reluctance to seek help, and lastly, Miriam Theuma who delved into the challenges experienced by young people. 

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Nigel Camilleri also spoke of the challenges faced by the national mental health services with particular reference to youth. 

In addition, Rachael Scicluna explored the importance of the environment on youth mental health, whilst Emma Micallef Darmenia shared her experience as a young person who makes use of mental health services. 

Since the demand for Richmond’s services has increased drastically, the Foundation said that financial help is essential as the provision for free professional services incurs significant costs. 

“Through the public’s help, Richmond will be able to sustain its free services to young people and their families,” it said.