Minds Ahead holds international conference: The Mental Health Agenda: Implications for the school setting in Malta

As part of our partnership with Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School Paola, Minds Ahead hosted the first Maltese conference on school mental health in Malta.

The conference was opened by the Former President of Malta, President Emeritus, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and was hosted by the Ambassador of Malta to Estonia and Finland, His Excellency Dr Kenneth Vella. It brought together over 70 school leaders and educational professionals to discuss key issues facing schools in Malta and debate what can be learnt by looking at international models and the application of school mental health approaches.

The event was also attended by the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders, Dr Denis Vella Baldacchino, Shadow Education Minister Justin Schembri and Rev. Dr. Fr. Charles Mallia, Director of the Secretariat for Catholic Education.

Speaking after the event, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead Dean Johnstone said:

"It is clear from the policymakers as well as school practitioners that I met today, that there is a real appetite for adopting a holistic approach to school mental health in Malta. Much like in the UK, there are real mental health needs that need addressing and schools here are well-placed to be able to make impactful changes that strengthen the mental health of the next generation. I am thrilled that we will be able to work further with schools in Malta and look forward to deepening the discussions we have started."

As a result of the event, school leaders were invited to take part in a new Maltese cohort of the School Mental Health Specialist Programme, which will commence in September. This Master’s course will be starting its third year in September and has been written for those seeking to make substantial improvements to mental health in schools. The Schools Mental Health Specialist Masters is accredited by Leeds Beckett University and is recognised as an approved course by the UK Government. It is also registered with the Maltese get qualified scheme.

Maltese educators can obtain more information by contacting Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School Paola, by sending an email to materbon@gmail.com or by calling 0035621800372.