The third edition of the Thematic Lectures organised by the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman together with the Office of the Speaker was held on Thursday morning at the Parliament Building, focusing on mental health risks and concerns, prevention, treatment and care.
In his opening address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives emphasised that mental health is fundamental to individual and societal well-being, calling for greater awareness, accessible support services and stronger collaboration among public institutions, healthcare professionals, families and communities.
He stressed that stigma and prejudice remain significant barriers to seeking help, underlining the importance of open conversations and a culture that treats mental health with the same seriousness as physical health. He also highlighted the importance of prevention and early intervention, alongside an integrated, person-centred approach to care that safeguards the rights, dignity and well-being of those experiencing mental health difficulties.
The Speaker further drew attention to the challenges faced by people in public life, including Members of Parliament and healthcare professionals, emphasising that everyone deserves understanding, compassion and appropriate support. He also addressed wider factors affecting mental health, including workplace pressures, technological developments, gaming and gambling, and environmental conditions.
The keynote and thematic contributions by Dr Adrian James, Dr Sarah Wollaston, Professor Anton Grech, Baroness Professor Clare Gerada and Raymond Galea explored the importance of prevention, early intervention and person-centred mental healthcare.
Dr James highlighted the need to reduce stigma, improve access to talking therapies and strengthen early support, particularly in schools, while ensuring appropriate diagnosis and psychological assistance, including for people with ADHD and autism. He also referred to the open dialogue approach to treating psychosis.
Dr Wollaston stressed the value of data in shaping preventive policies, including interventions that begin during pregnancy, and discussed the potential role of taxation.
Professor Grech emphasised Malta's cultural diversity and the need to sustain investment in community mental health services, moving from isolation towards inclusion.
Baroness Professor Gerada highlighted the importance of human interaction in an increasingly digital healthcare environment and the challenges posed by growing specialisation and costs.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Raymond Galea, also contributed to the discussion on mental health and the challenges facing services.
In his thematic lecture, Professor Sir Simon Wessely addressed rising anxiety among younger generations, increasingly pessimistic views of the future and the difficulties countries face in regulating social media and the digital world.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon reinforced the importance of placing individuals at the centre of mental healthcare, stating that the system must be designed around the person, rather than requiring the person to adapt to the convenience and priorities of the system. He added that society needs to move on from awareness to caring behaviour and responsibility.
The contributions highlighted the need to translate awareness into meaningful action and ensure that mental health services respond effectively to people's needs.
Emphasising Parliament's role as a platform for constructive dialogue on issues affecting citizens' lives and well-being, the Speaker concluded by stressing the need for stronger prevention, early intervention, continuity of care and sustained efforts to reduce stigma.