Homestart Malta launches annual report

Homestart Malta recently launched its annual report for 2009 at Aġenzija Appoġġ. Six new volunteers were also presented with a certificate after successfully completing a 40-hour preparation course.

The report presents a review of service operations, aims that were reached in the past year and the way forward.

"It is every child's right to receive the care and attention needed. Sadly, not all parents are in a position to give children what they need. This is why we support an infrastructure like Homestart, which goes a long way in ensuring a continuous point of reference to vulnerable people," said Josef Camilleri, director of the HSBC Malta Foundation.

Addressing those present, Ġemma Mifsud Bonnici, the foundation's chairman, said the programme is proving worthwhile, as parents of young children are being offered the necessary support, friendship and help to cope with health, disability and poverty issues.

Foundation for Social Welfare Services CEO Sina Bugeja pointed out that the foundation gives priority and importance to families with young children. Through Homestart, the foundation reaches and helps families within their own environment, minimising the risks of more complex social situations. She emphasised how the various entities involved could improve their service, especially based on what was highlighted in the report.

Following the review of the report, a discussion was held between stakeholders present including Yvonne Mallia, Appoġġ operations director, Catherine Fleri Soler, Homestart Malta chairman, Jacqueline Vella, organiser for Homestart, and other Homestart Malta management committee members.

Ms Fleri Soler spoke about the report, highlighting the need for this service to be extended beyond the localities it operates in to reach out to as many families as possible. The Homestart team has been seeing families blossoming and back on track with the care provided by the volunteers.

For more information, call 2167 8043, e-mail home.start@malta net.net or visit www.appogg.gov.mt.

Aġenzija Appoġġ forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, which also incorporates Aġenzija Sedqa (www. sedqa.gov.mt) and Aġenzija Sapport (www.sapport.gov.mt).