Free first aid courses will be provided as part of a mental health protection initiative in the community, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela and Local Government Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli stated on Thursday.
The initiative, which the Ministry for Health said has been launched with the theme “Investing in each other’s mental health,” includes a collaboration between the government and the Richmond Foundation, which will see free first aid courses provided for the protection of mental health in communities. The ministry stated that around one in four people in Malta suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
It spoke of how there remains a stigma which acts as a major barrier to effectively responding to mental health issues. It said that while people are often willing to seek help for physical problems, mental health challenges are often perceived differently. It commented that due to stigma, many individuals suffer in silence and are reluctant to seek help out of fear of being judged.
Minister Abela said that the government is committed to changing the narrative around mental health, and spoke of how the government firmly believes that mental health is as important as physical health. He continued that it is essential to create an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than a sign of weakness. He added that the free mental health care courses form part of the mental health initiatives detailed within Budget 2025.
The Health Minister stated that, as with traditional first aid courses, this initiative is designed to provide initial support to someone experiencing mental health challenges, and that these courses are not intended as therapy or a support group, but rather as an educational program. He remarked that this initiative supports the government’s broader vision to promote mental well-being and raise awareness, as well as build resilience among the population.
Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli said that the government will be offering free courses for families and all citizens regarding mental health first aid as part of the first phase of this initiative. She added that local councils will be taking on a more central role for healthier lives in their communities through this initiative.