The Richmond Foundation has announced the extension of its internationally recognized MHFA Malta training to the local artistic and creative community.
In the high stakes world of creativity, where emotional intensity meets the instability of freelance life, mental resilience is as vital as the craft itself. Supported by APS Bank, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between creative passion and psychological safety, ensuring that Malta’s cultural landscape remains both vibrant and healthy.
Bridging the Gap in the Creative Sector
The life of an artist is often characterized by unique pressures: performance anxiety, public scrutiny, and the “gig economy” uncertainty that can take a heavy toll on wellbeing. This tailored MHFA course is designed to equip practitioners with the tools to:
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Identify early signs of mental health challenges in themselves and peers.
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De-stigmatize conversations around emotional struggles.
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Provide immediate, initial support in a crisis.
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Guide individuals toward professional help with confidence.
Breaking Financial Barriers
In a significant move to ensure inclusivity, the course is fully financed by APS Bank. By removing financial hurdles, the program ensures that all artists, regardless of their career stage or income, can access evidence based training delivered by accredited MHFA instructors.
“By investing in mental health awareness within the arts, we seek to strengthen resilience and peer support across Malta’s cultural landscape.” — Richmond Foundation
The decision to focus on the creative sector isn’t just intuitive; it’s backed by global research. Studies frequently show that cultural workers face elevated stress levels due to:
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Identity Blending: The thin line between personal identity and creative output.
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Income Instability: The precarious nature of freelance and project based work.
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High Stakes: The pressure of public performance and critical reception.
By integrating mental health literacy into the arts, the Richmond Training Institute is expanding its broader mission to make mental health support an integral part of every sector in Maltese society.
About the Partners
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Richmond Foundation: Malta’s leading mental health NGO, dedicated to advocacy, community services, and world-class training.
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APS Bank: A long-standing supporter of community and cultural growth, providing the necessary backing to make this training free for the public.
Interested in joining? Creative professionals looking to bolster their mental health tool kit are encouraged to reach out to Richmond Foundation for more details on upcoming course dates and registration.
