The government will invest around €2.8 million over the next three years in three community homes supporting people with mental health challenges under a new agreement between the Ministry for Health and the Suret il-Bniedem Foundation.

The agreement, signed between the National Mental Health Services and the foundation, covers the operation of Dar Imelda, Dar Franġisk and Dar Victoria, which together provide accommodation and support for up to 32 residents.

Announcing the investment, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg said the agreement strengthened collaboration between the government and the voluntary sector to expand community-based mental health services.

The agreement is the first Public Social Partnership of its kind regulating the operation of the three homes and establishes a formal framework for funding and governance.

According to the ministry, the initiative is intended to strengthen continuity, transparency and accountability in the provision of long-term residential care while ensuring services continue to meet high quality standards and respect the dignity of residents.

Borg said the agreement reflected the importance of cooperation between government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and local communities in strengthening mental health services across Malta and Gozo.

He added that the investment would help mental health services continue to evolve while promoting social inclusion.

Suret il-Bniedem Foundation chairperson Marique Sciberras welcomed the agreement, saying it would provide greater certainty for the continued development of services at the three homes.

Sciberras said evidence showed that people living with mental health challenges achieved better outcomes when supported in community-based environments tailored to their needs, adding that the agreement would allow the foundation to build on work carried out over several years.

The Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, run by the Capuchin Friars, operates five community homes, three of which provide accommodation for people with mental health challenges.