From left: Konrad Pulé, Malta Public Transport General Manager; Maria Agius, HR Executive - Internal Communications; Roderick Bajada, HR Director, Malta Public Transport; Daniela Calleja Bitar, CEO, Richmond Foundation; and Bernard Laus, Psychological Support Service Manager, Richmond Foundation

Malta Public Transport has formalised the launch of its Employee Assistance Programme. Through an agreement with the Richmond Foundation, this initiative marks a key step in the company's commitment to promoting mental health and emotional well-being among its employees, providing support services that aim to address mental health challenges within the workplace.

The Employee Assistance Programme offers Malta Public Transport employees access to free, confidential mental health services, including therapy sessions, emotional support, and 24/7 help channels. These services, part of Richmond Foundation's programme - 'Healthy Minds Work', are designed to ensure that employees can seek help without the financial barriers or stigma that may otherwise prevent them from doing so. The collaboration with Richmond Foundation will also provide Malta Public Transport with professional guidance on how to address challenging situations related to mental health and emotional well-being in the workplace.

In addition to launching the Employee Assistance Programme, Malta Public Transport is preparing to roll out a Mental Health First Aid training programme. The aim of this separate initiative is to ensure that by 2025, a number of Malta Public Transport employees will have completed the training. Achieving this target will enable Malta Public Transport to obtain a Bronze Skilled Workplace Certification, recognising the company's commitment to mental health support. The training will equip participants with the skills to assist colleagues facing mental health challenges, contributing to a healthier and more supportive work environment.

Roderick Bajada, Human Resources Director at Malta Public Transport stated, "We are proud to be taking meaningful steps towards improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our employees. By launching the Employee Assistance Programme, we are creating an environment where our workforce can feel supported. Looking ahead, our Mental Health First Aid training programme will further strengthen our ability to foster a culture of care and support."

This initiative reinforces the company's broader commitment to prioritising mental health and emotional well-being, ensuring employees have access to both immediate support and long-term mental health resources.