Urgent need for 179 volunteers

A total of 2,300 genuine calls were registered on the Appoġġ helpline 179 in the first six months of the year, highlighting the urgent need for volunteers to man the helpline and the Programm Ulied Artna.

Supportline 179 is the national helpline for children, adults and families in need. It is mostly used by those who require someone willing to listen to them or are experiencing loneliness or mental problems or those who need immediate support.

The service is manned by an 85-strong team of volunteers backed by professional Appoġġ staff. Appoġġ said another group of volunteers offered 3,000 hours of their time between January and June for Programm Ulied Artna. This service offers time, skills, friendship and practical help to facilitate the life of families receiving other specialised Appoġġ services.

Other services offered include material support, budgeting and communication skills within the family, homework assistance to children and assistance the family may require.

“Nobody can do everything but everybody can do something,” the government agency said.

Applications from those wishing to lend a helping hand can be downloaded from www.appoġġ.gov.mt or collected from the reception desk at Aġenzija Appoġġ at 36 St Luke’s Road, Guardamangia or else Aċċess Complex, San Dwardu Street, Vittoriosa. Closing date for applications is November 6.

Training and support will be provided to all volunteers.