Author: silvester.vella@gmail.com
Annalise Grech McDonell
Annalise started her journey in this field when she applied for her Advanced Diploma in Health and Social Care in 2016. Her first placement was at Mount Carmel Hospital which provided a broader perspective of the mental health sector and was a learning experience where she felt that she should explore the field more. She continued by enrolling for her Degree in Health and Social Care (Management) and graduated in 2021.
During her studies in 2018 she started her journey working in a disability setting where she found passion in working with vulnerable adults in the social care field. Her aim is to see service users thrive with the appropriate support and achieve their goals. Between 2022 and 2025 she continued to gain more skills through her work with various entities within the disability sector. She is currently reading for a Masters Degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy within the Gestalt Psychotherapy Institute Malta. Annalise enjoys exploring new countries and travelling in her free time, while also making meaningful connections with close people around her. She also enjoys reading and watching movies based on true events.
Part of a much bigger team of care workers
Summer 2024
Summer 2024 ended with the annual barbeque organised for all residents from the five different Homes.
The event started with celebration of holy mass and then, together with the residents from all our residences and team members, we had the pleasure to enjoy a fun-filled night accompanied with good food, some tombola (it never disappoints!) and live music by Marzia u Sean.
Special thanks to our hosts, who always welcome us at the Capuchin’s convent in Floriana and to everyone who made this event a successful one.
It is always a joy for FSIB when it gets together residents and its employees for a different activity in a different setting from the every day life.
Arts Programme
We are grateful for the support Round Table Malta 2 and Tafelronde 93 Steenwijk for supporting our cause of providing an Arts Programme for some of our residents.
This programme is providing a weekly creative space that fosters meaningful connections through the use of visual arts, at Dar Imelda and Paul Debono
May 2024
Employees of Deloitte organised a walk/run to raise funds for Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem. All proceeds shall be used to initiate a pilot project that supports the mental wellbeing of homeless individuals . This shall be done through a comprehensive occupational therapy programme focusing on self-care, life skills and community activities.
Whilst recognizing that sports and movement is a tool for our mental wellbeing, a fantastic turnout of Deloitte employees and team members of the Foundation came together on a Saturday morning and the runners group covered a 10km jog, while the walkers group enjoyed a leisurely 5km walk, both covering beautiful locations in Birgu, Senglea, and Kalkara.
We truly thank Deloitte for their supportive and generous collaboration.
“Fondazzjoni Suriet il Bniedem has always shown a high level of care, dedication and professionalism in running and managing Dar Imelda and Dar Victoria/ Franġisk. Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how FSIB provides a supportive and safe environment for their residents with mental health difficulties, as they make sure that each resident’s individual needs are met with kindness and attention.
It has been a pleasure collaborating with FSIB as I have seen how much our service user’s benefit from the services they offer.”
Social Worker, Mount Carmel Hospital
“I would like to thank you for the care and attention you give to my son and the rest of your patients, which you call residents. You send us emails and calls to update us on their situation and progress. You organize outings and activities to encourage them to socialize. You send them on courses to help them build a better future. At Dar Victoria the dedicated staff do their utmost to make the residents’ life as comfortable as possible, irrespective of their situation or age.”
Father of a resident
“Dar Imelda is a safe home for my mother and that makes my thoughts rested.
Whenever I asked something as regards within my mother, support and help were everytime there. “
Family member of Resident
Turning the Tide – from dependency to independence
Mark* had a long history of substance abuse, which led to impulsive, risk-taking behaviors and a prolonged stay at the national hospital for mental health recovery. His parents were deeply worried about him, but after significant improvements, his medical team decided he was ready to regain independence and reintegrate into the community.
At Dar Victoria, we accepted Mark and worked with him to create a personalized care plan. His family provided strong support throughout, and we helped strengthen these ties, which played a key role in his progress.
Today, Mark functions well in society, independently managing tasks such as laundry, maintaining his living space, and attending appointments. His family is overjoyed with the remarkable transformation in his mental health and overall well-being.
Mark’s next goal is to fulfil his dream of volunteering at an animal shelter, where he hopes to give back by helping animals in need.