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.