Malta’s national helpline, otherwise known as 179, offers support and information regarding local social services and other agencies as well as a referral service for callers who need further support.

The service, which is managed by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), currently consists of twenty workers with the majority being telephone operators who are available 24 hours a day along with a team of social workers who provide constant assistance. The helpline receives calls related to various issues, including situations of child abuse, domestic violence, gambling problems, human trafficking, drugs, alcohol, and homelessness, among others.

FSWS CEO Alfred Grixti said that service operators are trained and given continuous support, which includes individual supervision, group sessions, and access to a team of social workers available around the clock.

During a visit made to the workers who operate the servers, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon said that the helpline’s operations and human resources have continued to be strengthened after 7,800 calls were received from January to June 2023. He added that most of the calls were related to loneliness.

Minister Falzon said that the service is provided to offer hope and courage as well as identify cases which require long-term support, not to judge.

The 179 service team also handles calls received on the European Union emotional support helpline 116 123, as well as the child helpline 116 111.