News Archives - Richmond Foundation

Trauma-Processing Strategies for Clinicians

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:23:18 +0000

THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED

This event is fully booked, and we cannot accept any more registrations

This practical seminar will equip clinicians with concise, clinic-ready tools for working with trauma. Dr Gabriel Ellul will outline core principles from polyvagal theory, structural dissociation, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, demonstrating brief, usable techniques to support autonomic regulation, somatic integration, and safe processing of traumatic material. The session balances conceptual framing with live demonstrations and guided practice so participants leave with immediate interventions to use in assessment and short-term therapy.

There will also be time for a Q&A.

Date: 10 November 2025
Time: 18:00–20:00.
Venue: Richmond Foundation – Head Office and Training Centre
Location directions: Link to Google maps

Speaker

Dr Gabriel Ellul: MD MRCPsych MA Bioethics CCST Psych

Dr Gabriel Ellul, MD, MRCPsych, MA Bioethics, CCST Psych, is a Malta-based psychiatrist specializing in trauma, post-traumatic stress, and neurodivergence. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Malta in 2015 and obtained his medical licence in 2017. He completed specialist training in psychiatry and became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) in 2019. He was awarded a Master’s degree in Bioethics in 2020, receiving the Dean’s Award and a Dissertation Prize. Gabriel seeks to blend rigorous, evidence-based psychopharmacology with trauma-informed psychotherapeutic approaches, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and emerging neurophysiological tools to prioritize patient safety, autonomic regulation, and relational repair. He delivers clinical teaching and workshops for multidisciplinary teams, creates practical training resources, and consults on complex cases across tertiary and private settings in Malta. His research and writing focus on integrating symbolic clinical models with directional pharmacology to improve treatment planning for paradoxical and treatment-resistant presentations. Gabriel collaborates internationally on research and education initiatives, mentors early-career clinicians, and contributes to service development. He is committed to ethical, patient-centred care and to translating contemporary neuroscience into accessible, actionable strategies that clinicians can use from day one.

Programme

17:45–18:00 — Registration
18:00–19:00 — Dr Gabriel Ellul: Core framework of Polyvagal hierarchy and pragmatic formulations for clinic use
19:00–19:15 — Discussion
19:15–19:45 — Demonstrations and Guided Practice
19:45–20:00 — Q&A, signposting to resources

Registration

Fee: Euros 50

Payment – Via Bank transfer
Payable account number: MT65APSB77046006498420001003972
Bank name: APS Bank plc
Beneficiary: Richmond Foundation

This event is fully booked, and we cannot accept any more registrations

CPD

CPD Certificate Provided

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Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Mon, 19 May 2025 17:03:23 +0000

Richmond Foundation is looking for dedicated individuals to become Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructors. As an instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to lead impactful sessions, educate others about mental health, and reduce stigma – all while gaining invaluable skills and experience in the field.

Why Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor?

Make a real impact: Empower others with vital knowledge and tools to support individuals going through a mental health crisis and to promote early intervention.

Gain specialised skills: Learn evidence-based practices on how to teach diverse audiences, from corporate teams to community groups and health care professionals.

Be part of change: Help reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing in workplaces, schools, and communities.

Eligibility

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following selection criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences and/or education

Selection

Applicants who are accredited with a Standard or Youth Mental Health First Aider will be given preference
Applicants who have knowledge of mental health problems, their treatments and support services will be given preference
Applicants who have professional experience supporting people with mental illnesses will be given preference
Group facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills will be assessed through the interview selection process

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit a motivational letter along with an updated CV to hr@richmond.org.mt by no later than 30th June 2025. Please note that Richmond Foundation reserves the right to decline any application at its sole discretion.

All short-listed applicants will be able to attend the Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Course.

Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Course

The Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become licensed instructors to train in the standard mental Health First aid course. This course empowers participants to teach others about mental health, helping to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention for those experiencing mental health challenges. Throughout the course, participants will gain a deep understanding of key statistics and evidence-based practices that underpin the Mental Health First Aid programme.

Potential Instructors will also learn on how to adopt a wide range of instructional techniques, learn how to effectively deliver MHFA training to diverse audiences, including corporate clients, community groups, healthcare workers, educators, etc.

Upon completion, licensed instructors will be qualified to deliver training through the Richmond Foundation.

Course Dates and Times

Dates: 28th July to 1st August
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Course venue: Richmond Foundation training centre.

Course Fee: €2,000

Payment terms:

Option A: full course fee paid on acceptance to course.
Option B: Flexi Payment
- Initial Payment: 30% of the course fee (€600) is due upon acceptance into the course.
- Monthly Payments: The remaining 70% is divided into 10 equal monthly instalments of €150 each (which includes interest).

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World Bipolar Day Press Release

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:42:26 +0000

PRWBPD 30032023

Press Release MALTI

World Bipolar Day, 2023, inizjattiva tas-Soċjeta Internazzjonali tad-Dizordni Bipolari, dejjem tkun fit-30 ta’ Marzu, jum it-twelid ta’ Vincent Van Gogh, li wara mewtu sabu li kien ibati mid-dizordni bipolari.

Il-grupp “Be Positive – Bipolar Self-help, Malta” qed jorganizza laqgħa għal dawk kollha li jbatu b’din il-kundizzjoni u dawk li jieħdu ħsiebhom.

Din ser issir fil-Kappella Russa, tal-Palazz ta’ San Anton, nhar il-Gimgħa, 14 t’April, fis-6.30pm.

(Bil-permess ġentili tal-Eċċ. Tieghu, il-President Dr. George Vella)

Nistednuk tiġi u ġġib miegħek xi ħadd li jista jgħinek. Dħul mill-bieb fejn is-suldat. Tinsewx l-ID Card minħabba s-Security.

Ejja u isma – m’intix waħdek! Iżjed informazzjoni: https://bipolarmalta.org/ https://www.worldbipolarday.org/

Press Release ENGLISH

World Bipolar Day (WBD) – an initiative of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), – will be celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world population information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness.

The “Be Positive – Bipolar Self-help, Malta” is organising an open meeting for all those suffering from this condition and their carers.

This will be held on Friday, 14th April, at 6.30pm, at the Russian Chapel, San Anton Palace – with the kind permission of H.E. Dr. George Vella, President of Malta.

We invite each and everyone who suffers from this condition, to come and meet us – we can help each other. You can also bring along somebody who supports you.

Entrance by the door where the soldier is on duty.Please do not forget your ID Card for Entry Security.

Come and listen – you are not alone. More info: https://bipolarmalta.org/ https://www.worldbipolarday.org/

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Taking Care of our Youth’s Mental Health

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 07:24:33 +0000

His Excellency George Vella this morning presided over a seminar entitled ‘Taking Care of our Youth’s Mental Health’ organised jointly by Richmond Foundation and the Office of the President of Malta. During the seminar the Foundation launched the findings of a Barometer of Youth Mental Health. In the research 70% of all respondents aged between 13 and 25 years reported feelings of anxiety. The Foundation highlighted how the demand for its services by young people had registered a drastic increase of more than 1000%, over the past two years. In response, Richmond has, through an ESF funded project[1] prepared educational material for young persons, and training for parents and professionals working with young people with mental health issues. A dedicated website is available at https://www.ankrayouth.org/. The Foundation also launched a fund-raising campaign, supported by a wide range of media houses, which will run through the next 4 weeks. The funds will enable Richmond to reach more young people experiencing mental health challenges.

During his speech, His Excellency reiterated the importance of mental health prevention in youth, and the significance of changes to our youth’s lives to their social and emotional development.

The seminar was addressed by a number of professionals active within the mental health and youth sectors. Prof Josianne Scerri provided the main findings of the Youth Mental Health Barometer, while Dr Natalie Kenely delved into the emotional life of young people, highlighting aspects of their resilience, as well as their general reluctance to seek help. Ms Miriam Theuma delved into the challenges experienced by young people.

During the second part Dr Nigel Camilleri spoke of the challenges faced by the national mental health services with particular reference to youth, while Dr Rachael Scicluna explored the importance of the environment on youth mental health. Ms Emma Micallef Darmenia shared her experience as a young person who makes use of mental health services.

During the past two years, demand for Richmond’s services by young people has increased ten-fold. Support provided to other age groups has also doubled since 2021. The provision of free professional services incurs significant costs, so financial help is essential for Richmond to be able to continue to support young people experiencing mental health challenges. Through the public’s help Richmond will be able to sustain its free services to young people and their families.

Campaign material:

Link to Videos; Link to Artwork

[1] ESF02.147 Mental Health Centre for Young persons and their Families

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Launch of Richmond’s Youth Mental Health Barometer

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:22:48 +0000

Richmond, under the auspices of

His Excellency George Vella President of Malta,

is pleased to be launching the first Youth Mental Health Barometer.

REGISTER HERE

What does our youth’s mental health look like? What do they believe is a struggle, and what can we do to support them?

This seminar will seek to address these questions through a discussion of the results from research carried out in late 2021. We will start the day with an address from His Excellency, after which Richmond will be sharing highlights from the data collected. Leading academics and professionals in the field will then be sharing their thoughts on the results and proposing ways of how we can support our youngest in society.

0900	Welcome by compere
0901	Context: Launch of the Fundraising Campaign	Stephania Dimech Sant, CEO, Richmond
0915	Speech	HE President Dr George Vella
0945	Through the looking glass; a focus on youth well-being	Prof Josianne Scerri
1005	The challenges experienced by youth	Ms Miriam Theuma
1030	Emotional health, resilience and help-seeking behaviour among Youths aged 16-18 years	Dr Natalie Kenely
1050	Panel Discussion and Questions
1110	Coffee break
1130	Youth mental health services: looking ahead	Dr Nigel Camilleri
1155	A personal experience of youth mental health services	Ms Ella Micallef Darmenia
1215	Youth mental health and environment	Dr Rachael Scicluna
1235	Panel Discussion and Questions
1255	Conclusion
1300	End

We will also be holding a panel discussion where you will have the opportunity to ask questions to the guest speakers present. A young person who has received mental health support will be sharing her thoughts on the data presented, as well as reflecting on her experience of receiving timely support.

Since 22nd April is Earth Day, we are pleased to have with us Dr Rachael Scicluna, a Maltese urban anthropologist, to share how we can help our youth connect to nature.

This seminar will be held between 0900hrs and 1300hrs at Verdala Palace. Since this is an in-person event, only a limited number of places will be available. Full vaccination against COVID-19 is a requirement to attend this conference in person and all measures recommended by public health authorities will be in place. Registration is available here.

Richmond Foundation has been provided EU funds to carry out the research. This was done through the European Social Fund as part of the project ESF 02.147.

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Launch of New Mental Health Service

Tue, 18 May 2021 21:03:19 +0000

Richmond cordially invites you to join us for the virtual launch of our new mental health live chat service created for you with the kind support of Epic through its Epic for Good Initiative. Join us live on our Facebook page here.

Date: 19 May 2021

Time: 11am

Check back here for full details later in the day. Are you ready to take your first step towards better mental health?

For media accreditation please email info@richmond.org.mt

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Veteran Sportsman donates entire trophy cache to Richmond Foundation

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:43:17 +0000

Mr. Paul Vella, technical Director of RMF and pioneer of the Malta Sports Shooting Federation, wanted to endorse his appreciation of the contribution by Richmond Foundation to Maltese society, by a very unusual gesture of philanthropy.

Mr. Vella commenced his shooting career at the age of twenty-one and his career lasted for over 35years. He participated and competed on National and International level in clay target shooting disciplines mainly DTL, Olympic trap and Olympic skeet. During his thirty-five year career, Mr. Vella proudly competed and represented the Malta Sports Shooting Federation and the Malta Olympic Committee in World Cups, European Championships, Commonwealth Games and Small Nations Games respectively.

His best achievements were Bronze medal in Trap at the Small Nations Shooting Tournament and Silver medal in Skeet at the Small Nations Games.

The donation of a unique collection of over one hundred and fifty trophies were presented to Mr. Anthony Guillaumier as Chairman of the Richmond Foundation. Richmond Foundation will be making use of part of the collection to raise funds to sustain its ever increasing commitments.

Pictured from left to right: Ms. Svetlana Gatt, Richmond Foundation, Mr. Paul Vella, Mr. Anthony Guillaumier, Chair of Richmond Foundation

If you too would like to support Richmond Foundation in continuing to provide free mental health support, visit our Gift of Therapy section to learn more.

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Richmond and Church media in an awareness campaign on mental health

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:36:04 +0000

Thank you to our media partners:

The Richmond Foundation and Beacon Media Group owners of Church media outlets Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart have partnered in a bid to continue raising the profile of mental health in public discourse in Malta. These two organisations are launching a six-month campaign title “It’s OK to speak out” encouraging people to seek help when they have mental health issues.

It’s is OK to speak out

Richmond Foundation, Newsbook.com.mt and 103 Malta’s Heart have agreed on a campaign designed to last through six months. During the campaign information is going to be made available to help readers and listeners realise that it is ‘OK’ to speak out about your worries, about stress, about coping with difficult situations such as marital problems, bereavement or rebellious children. Many do not seek help, for example, when they see their adolescents or children under stress, assuming that this phase would pass.

The Richmond Foundation lends an ear and a helping hand in these circumstances. Then there is the issue of living with mental health conditions and the help needed both for the person with the condition as well as for those who live and work with the person.

Why the partnership?

Stephania Dimech Sant, CEO for the Richmond Foundation said “We are proud to be partnering with a vibrant and very respected media house as this will enable us to raise awareness that mental health is on the same level as physical health. It is not by chance that the Romans coined the phrase ’a healthy mind in a healthy body’ and this is what the campaign with Newsbook and 103 is all about”.

On the other hand, Dr Gege Gatt, Chair of the Board of Directors of Beacon Media Group said that the creating of a positive impact on society is central to the mission of the Church’s media.

“We intentionally direct our technology and communication resources towards initiatives that contribute to the social good. Beacon Media Group sees in The Richmond Foundation a beacon for psychological wellbeing – a superb initiative to offer mental health therapy to those who cannot pay for it.”

Pandemic increased mental health issues

The existence of a largely unknown disease, fear of infection, social distancing and isolation, and a general change in the lifestyle we were used to, have all had an impact on our mental health, mainly through increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The stress related to working from home, supporting home schooling, or to loss of employment and income have also left its impact. Our elderly and the young have also been impacted by social isolation. Over 2020 Richmond received 3,600 calls for help, which is 4 times as much as a regular year, and delivered 4,300 hours of therapy.

Everyone has experienced the mental health impact of this pandemic, which makes it so much more important to reach out so that we can support each other better.

If you feel you need help reach out to us on Helpline 1770 or 21480045.

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Psychosis Support Group

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:39:28 +0000

Our monthly support group for persons diagnosed with psychosis will resume this Monday 9th between 5pm and 6pm at Richmond Foundation, 424, St. Joseph’s High Street in St. Venera (next to The Groom and close to Carini Stores). For more information, call 21224580 or e-mail info@richmond.org.mt.

Psychosis is not just a condition which affects the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It also impacts the person’s day to day life and relationships with others. Unfortunately, stigma, a barrier to recovery, often holds people diagnosed with psychosis back from reaching out for support. It is therefore the aim of this group to create a safe space where individuals can be supported beyond their symptoms by sharing how psychosis impacted their life or by listening to the experiences of others who have been or are going through similar situations. Anyone over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with psychosis is encouraged to join.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, we ask that group members wear a face mask at all times while inside the building. To limit the amount of people joining this group, only the first five persons who submit the online link below will be able to attend. Late registrations will be asked to join the following group.

Book your place

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFpQoISeRnv9vFINxpqvEQeaWURBcSsaa7AxRn0rCJXTz9LQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

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Annual Conference 2020

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:35:45 +0000

We are pleased to announce that our Annual Conference is taking place online on the 22nd and 23rd of October between 9am and 12pm. The conference will be exploring the mental health impact of social and economic measures on different groups in Malta.

You can find the conference programme and registration form below.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors:

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