Some time ago Fleur Bianco received a phone call from a rehabilitating drug addict who had just relapsed and needed someone who could offer help and understanding.

Ms Bianco went to meet the young, distressed woman and guided her on what to do next to get back on track.

Ms Bianco, a psychotherapist and counsellor at Caritas Malta, was one of two people who last month received the social commitment award – a new award offered by the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

The award recognises the valuable and distinctive contribution of those who improve other people’s lives and promote a healthy, harmonious society.

Ms Bianco was nominated for the work she does beyond her official job duties, offering support and help to several people, mostly addicts or former addicts, facing difficult moments.

“I feel humbled that these men and women who have so much to deal with open up to me and trust me,” she said, adding that she was honoured to be recognised for her work.

Like her, Noel Aquilina, the second person who received the award yesterday, was also glad to see his work given recognition.

“Awards are nice, and I’m glad to be receiving it, but the greatest reward is seeing something you believe in come true,” he said as he gave the example of wheelchair basketball that had now become a weekly event. Mr Aquilina was awarded for his work carried out through the NGO Breaking Limits, which strives to raise awareness and break barriers faced by people with disabilities.

“An activist is a person who advocates an intentional action to bring about social or political change. An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another person or group... Breaking Limits does both,” he said.

The dean of the Faculty of Social Wellbeing, Maureen Cole, said that the work of both nominees clearly met the aim of the award – that of fostering human dignity and harmony in society.