Agreements have been signed between the Housing Authority, the National Mental Health Services and the Richmond Foundation for the rental and subletting of a three-bedroom maisonette in Birkirkara, which will be used to provide a specialised residential service for adolescents.
This residence, the first of its kind operated by the Richmond Foundation for young people aged between 13 and 17, will provide a therapeutic and supportive environment for those who have been discharged from specialised psychiatric care.
The aim is to help them transition back into the community in a safe environment suited to their emotional, developmental and clinical needs. The maisonette will accommodate up to four adolescents, with support from Richmond Foundation staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Health Ministry and Housing Ministry said in a joint statement.
The statement said that the National Mental Health Services spearheaded this programme after identifying a gap in services for adolescents who require specialised and structured support that cannot be provided through traditional residential services. They developed a policy framework and led efforts to turn it into a concrete service, in collaboration with the authorities responsible for housing and the Richmond Foundation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg said that this service represents an important step towards strengthening community-based mental healthcare. “We want every young person to find the support they need at every stage of their care. The National Mental Health Services identified a need and worked with our partners to address it through a service specifically designed for adolescents. Through this service, we will help them continue their education, participate in community life and look towards the future with greater confidence,” Ian Borg said.
The Minister for Housing and Lands, Owen Bonnici, said that this agreement reflects the commitment to continuing to create more opportunities for people who need support, particularly young people facing mental health challenges.
Minister Bonnici stressed that housing is not simply a roof over someone’s head, but also an important step towards greater stability, dignity and integration into the community. “Through our collaboration with the Richmond Foundation, we are giving these young people the opportunity to continue their journey in a safe environment, with support tailored to their needs.”
The National Mental Health Services will finance both the finishing works on the maisonette and the operation of the service. They will also be responsible for clinical assessments, admission criteria, ongoing supervision by a multidisciplinary team, and monitoring the quality and outcomes of care. This will ensure that each adolescent receives support tailored to their individual needs, while hospital care will remain available whenever clinically necessary.
The programme builds on an existing collaboration with the Richmond Foundation for people aged 18 and over. In addition to daily care and support, the service will help young people develop the skills needed to become more independent and prepare for adulthood.
Under this agreement, the Housing Authority will subsidise 80% of the property's rental cost, while the National Mental Health Services will cover the rent and the services provided by the Richmond Foundation.