The Housing Authority, National Mental Health Services and Richmond Foundation will join forces to provide housing and support for young people with mental health challenges
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 for the Richmond Foundation for young people aged between 13 and 17, will offer a supportive therapeutic environment for those discharged from specialised psychiatric care. The aim is to support their transition back into the community in a safe environment adapted 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 National Mental Health Services were the driving force behind 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 translate 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 mental health care in the community. “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 respond to it with a tailor-made service for adolescents. Through this service, we will help them continue their education, participate in community life and look to the future with greater confidence,” said Ian Borg.
Minister for Accommodation and Lands, Owen Bonnici, said that this agreement reflects the commitment to continue creating more opportunities for people who need support, particularly young people facing mental health challenges.
Minister Bonnici stressed that housing is not just a roof over a person’s head, but also an important step towards greater stability, dignity and integration into the community. “By collaborating with the Richmond Foundation, we are giving these young people an opportunity to continue their journey in a safe environment, with support adapted to their needs.”
The National Mental Health Services will fund both the completion works on the maisonette and the operation of the service and 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 support tailored to each adolescent’s 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 day-to-day care and support, the service will help adolescents develop the skills needed for greater independence and prepare for adulthood.
Through this agreement, the Housing Authority will subsidise 80% of the property’s rental cost, while the National Mental Health Services will pay the rent and cover the costs of the services provided by the Richmond Foundation.
