A therapeutic and support service for families in the pre- and postnatal stages has been officially launched. This specialised service offers emotional and psychological support to both mothers and fathers during the delicate and transformative phases of pregnancy and the parenting journey.
The service is intended to provide support during the perinatal period—a time that spans from pregnancy to one year after birth. Although this period is often described as a time of joy, for 1 in every 5 women it is also marked by depression, anxiety, and trauma.
These details were announced by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, together with Positive Parenting Malta, which will be operating the service in Malta.
Minister Michael Falzon described this launch as a reflection of the government’s ongoing commitment to family wellbeing, mental health, and early intervention. “We are building a system that recognises perinatal mental health as a priority. Every family can benefit from this service, accompanied by early screening that helps identify certain emotional conditions,” said Minister Michael Falzon.
For her part, the Chairperson of Positive Parenting, Ruth Sciberras, spoke about how this new service is the result of collaboration between Positive Parenting Malta, the Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of Malta, and the Perinatal Mental Health Service at Mater Dei Hospital.
“Today marks a significant moment in our country’s journey towards a society that not only welcomes life, but cherishes and supports it in a tangible way. A society that looks not only at children, but also at the parents raising them—by offering the tools and support they need,” concluded Chairperson Ruth Sciberras.
