Girgenti Palace open this weekend

Girgenti Palace, also known as the Inquisitor’s Palace, is being opened to the public this weekend,.

The event, being held under the patronage of Mrs Catherine Gonzi, is being organised in aid of the Mental Health Association, Richmond Foundation and Friends of Mount Carmel Hospital Society - three Maltese non-governmental organisations working in the field of mental health.

Girgenti Palace will be open between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Visitors will be able to view the historic interiors of the palace and the beautiful grounds surrounding it.

This is the second time the Palace is being opened to the public. Entrance to the Palace for adults and children over 12 years of age will be against a donation of €3 which will go to the three mental health organisations.

There will be an art exhibition by a number of well-known Maltese artists, some of whom will be also painting on location.

A free dedicated children’s corner is going to be set up as well as a plant sale and cake stand.

The event will also seek to increase awareness on mental health issues.

The Richmond Foundation was set up in 1993 and provides community mental health services.

The Mental Health Association was set up in 1998 and aims to support primarily families of persons with mental health problems. Italso aims to stop fear, misconceptions and prejudice by promoting knowledge, understanding and acceptance through the organisation of lectures and other educational activities.

The Friends of Mount Carmel Hospital Society was set up in 1964 to promote awareness within the community towards persons who are receiving treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital. This is achieved by acting as a link between the hospital and the community and by being of assistance so that services within Mount Carmel Hospital would be of greater benefit to users. These benefits are also extended to persons who are under care at the Mater Dei Psychiatric Unit.