Outreach
Outreach brings our care directly to those in the community in need of assistance, providing them with practical necessities of life such as food, clothing and educational materials, as well as helping them access employment services. We also provide educational activities and fun events, aimed to lighten the load of modern life. Outreach is also responsible for raising awareness about social issues as a preventative measure, both nationally and at the EU level.
Y’Visible
Together we are making homelessness and rooflessness in Malta visible
Homelessness and rooflessness in Malta is very often hidden from view. Unfortunately as a result, many believe it doesn’t exist – a total fallacy. Many cases of home/rooflessness in Malta entail what we call Hidden Homelessness: individuals and families hidden from public view who are living in shelters or moving from one friend or family member’s house to the next.
Everyday at Dar Niki Cassar, we work with individuals and families afflicted by home/rooflessness and all of the troubles and stress that come with this condition. Utilising a holistic care programme that embodies the YMCA ethos of mind, body, spirit, we strive to help them back towards independent living.
We are however limited by the total number of beds we have available at any given time. To mediate this limitation, a new outreach project called Y’ Visible was created in 2019. This project takes the care we offer at our residences directly to the streets. We create awareness and make these invisible people visible. Between 2020 and 2022, 107 individuals who were sleeping rough were supported by this service.
Most importantly, we show them that someone cares, that someone is listening and that they are not alone
Every week when night falls, our team trawls the streets of Malta looking for people sleeping on the street. We supply them with food, drinks and warm blankets and provide them with vital information as to where they can find free internet access, showers and addiction and other therapeutic services. Most importantly, we show them that someone cares, that someone is listening and that they are not alone.
Y’Visible is relaunching in early 2025. The general public can assist us then, either by volunteering as part of the team and/or by reporting sightings of roofless people. Please contact us here should you wish to do either.
Together we are making homelessness and rooflessness in Malta visible.
Platform Against Homelessness
The Platform Against Homelessness was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chaired by YMCA Malta, fellow NGOs meet periodically in council to partake in round-table discussions with one objective in mind: the eradication of homelessness and rooflessness in Malta.
In 2021 the Platform issued the ‘Proposals for the Wellbeing of Service Users experiencing Homelessness and the Removal of Service Barriers’.
In 2023 the major research paper ‘Homeinclusration‘ and its associated white paper were issued during a major press conference. The research is a first of its kind in Malta and relates specifically to the tripartite issues of homelessness, migration & inclusion.
Workshops
YMCA Malta brings a variety of wellbeing workshops straight to the community. Our professionals deliver these directly in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as community homes and gathering places around the country. The goal is simple: empower people through knowledge and help them foster a stronger sense of self.
Current workshops on offer by our team are divided into three categories:
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Mental Health and Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to deepen their understanding of mental health and mental wellbeing, destigmatize common misconceptions, and learn about different mental illnesses. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about stress and how to cope in a positive way.
Understanding and Managing Stress
This workshop delves into the complexities of stress, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of its impact on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress, gaining greater self-awareness of their individual stress triggers and responses.
Understanding Anxiety
In this workshop, participants will be involved in a compassionate exploration of anxiety, shedding light on its origins, manifestations, and impact on individuals’ lives. This workshop involves demystifying anxiety, offering insights into its underlying causes and the ways it manifests emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Participants will learn to recognize common anxiety symptoms, gaining greater self-awareness of their own anxiety triggers and patterns.
Depression
The objective of this workshop is to delve into the complexities of depression, providing participants with insights, support, and practical strategies. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we aim to destigmatize depression, enabling participants to share their experiences and find validation for their struggles. Through this exploration, we will examine the diverse factors that contribute to depression, encompassing biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Our goal is to help participants comprehend the multifaceted nature of this condition and empower them with knowledge to navigate their journey towards healing.
Embracing Emotions: The Power of Emotional Awareness
This workshop aims to be a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth through engaging activities and reflective exercises. By cultivating mindfulness and connecting with their inner selves, participants can gain clarity about their thoughts, emotions, and values, fostering a sense of authenticity. Through different practical techniques, participants will learn to observe thoughts without judgment and cultivate present-moment awareness.
Drug Use and Mental Health
This workshop explores mental health and drug use. Participants will gain a better understanding of what recreational drug use involves and how it impacts mental health.
Understanding Addiction
In this workshop, participants will dive into the complexities of addiction—what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts individuals and communities. With a focus on awareness and empathy, we’ll explore the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, as well as the road to recovery.
Self-Awareness and Personal Development
Navigating Boundaries
In this workshop, participants will embark on a journey to explore the profound impact that boundaries have on our lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Through interactive discussions, introspective exercises, and practical tools, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what boundaries are, why they are crucial, and how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in various aspects of life.
Self-Awareness and Expression
This workshop is designed to explore the intricacies of our self-awareness and emotional understanding. Through experiential exercises, participants will be able to focus on how their emotions can shape their narrative.
Speech
This workshop will explore ways to feel more confident with public speaking and confidence! Through an interactive experience, participants will be able to work on their own skills and improve their overall confidence.
Coping with Change
During this workshop, participants will gain insight into the nature of change and delve into effective methods for not only coping with but also flourishing amid life’s inevitable shifts. Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and practical techniques, participants will acquire the skills needed to navigate change with resilience and adaptability.
Social Interactions
In this workshop, we’ll explore how social interactions impact both physical and mental well-being. Participants will have the opportunity to learn practical tools for improving communication skills and nurturing meaningful connections that support your overall health.
Social Issues and Advocacy
Homelessness in Malta
This workshop will bring awareness to homelessness and rooflessness in Malta. Participants will go through real-life situations and simulations to understand the reality of homelessness.
Sexual Intimidation
This workshop aims to improve awareness of sexual intimidation and harassment, focusing on prevention and empowerment. It also supports participants to take a proactive approach and seek support.
Internet and Safety
This workshop aims to educate people on the importance of internet safety by exploring different facets. Participants will be supported to identify risk situations and what forms online abuse takes and how to recognize them. Other skills such as spotting AI-images and fake news will also be discussed.
Understanding Care Work
This workshop explores care work, work that involves caring for others. This workshop focuses on raising awareness of the emotional and physical challenges that come with care work, while emphasizing the importance of self-care.
If you would like to know more about our workshops, contact us here