Youth council drive to improve mental health
Free access to sports facilities, machines that identify illicit substances at hospitals and mental check-ups for all students are among a set of proposals that the Malta Youth Council believes would improve mental health in Malta.
According to the council’s policy paper, there has been substantial development in the mental health sector, however, there was still space for improvement when it comes to the standards of care of the mental health hospital.
The best approach would be to bring mental health services at par with those given to people who live with physical illnesses, the Kunsill Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ says in its paper.
Called ‘A holistic approach towards mental health and youth’, it urges for more inclusion and integration of people living with mental health illness.
It was penned following consultation with some 800 youths with different backgrounds, and was presented to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Health Minister Chris Fearne among others.
It its paper, KNŻ flagged the need for physical education in fighting mental health illnesses. It suggested granting free access to sports facilities or providing a discount for such services to people who live with...