Ms Lopez graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2020 and has joined the team in 2024 as a Support Worker at Dar Imelda. Throughout her work experience she has been able to assist residents in providing emotional and social support in order to achieve an independent quality of life. In her free time Neyra enjoys watching movies.
Ms. Lara Abela graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2018. Shortly after she completed her studies, she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il Bniedem as a Support Worker, where she quickly discovered her passion for helping others. In 2019, she stepped into the role of Home Coordinator at Dar Victoria, a position which she has proudly held since then. In the same year, Ms. Abela was given further responsibilities within the foundation, this time to also coordinate Dar Franġisk. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy with the Gestalt Psychotherapy Institute Malta, deepening her understanding of therapeutic practices to better serve those in need. Her love and passion for supporting people in the mental health and homeless sectors are the driving forces behind her career. This commitment fuels Lara’s ongoing journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she works with. Outside of her professional life, Lara enjoys spending time in nature, where she finds peace and inspiration. This is where she recharges and reconnects with herself, taking the time to reflect and ground her energy. Nature provides her with the space to clear her mind and regain focus. Traveling is another passion of hers, as it allows her to explore different cultures and gain new perspectives. Together, these interests help her balance her commitment to others with self-care and personal fulfilment.
Ms. Kimberley Xuereb always had a passion for the social sector, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors in society. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honors) in 2016. Upon the completion of her undergraduate degree she started working with Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem as a Support Worker at Dar Victoria. After a few months as a Support Worker Ms. Xeureb was selected for the role of Home Coordinator of Dar Imelda and Paul Debono, which was going to be inaugurated in a few months time. During this time, she was involved in the logistical preparations of a new service, the recruitment of the team, identifying the resident group and in creating the network required to establish the service within various sectors in the field. Ms. Xeureb is by far proud of her 7 year experience as the Coordinator of this Home and perceives this experience as the most rewarding. Being part of this project has continued to drive her to strive to keep up the level of services that Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem offers. Between 2021 and 2022, Kim read for her Masters in Business Administration. Here, she continued to enhance her knowledge in the management field and eventually was able to reflect this in her work as well. In 2024 she embarked on a new journey as the Head Office and Logistics Coordinator. Although the residential setting is still very close to her heart, her interest and skills seem to have shifted to a more operational and logistical nature. Kim is still involved within the services but within her new role she is now putting together the services and operational aspects in a more intertwined manner. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time outdoors, especially when it comes to camping and exploring nature.
Mr. Andrew Cauchi is a dedicated member of the professional team with a diverse academic and career background. He initially graduated with a Diploma in Telecommunications and later pursued studies in Business Management from the University of Malta at the age of 40. His passion for social work and community support has always been a driving force. Seeing his career as a true vocation, he moved away from the telecommunications sector to join Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem in 2014. He spent eight years as the Coordinator of the males homeless shelter. At Dar Leopoldo, Andrew made a significant impact in helping vulnerable individuals integrate into the community. In 2022, Andrew transitioned to the organization’s Head Office, where he now serves in Human Resources and Finance, bringing a unique blend of compassion, leadership, and business acumen to his role. In his free time Andrew serves in several parishes all over Malta in the area of animating Liturgical functions. He has also contributed with composing and authoring of various spiritual hymns.
Ms. Tracey Vella started pursuing her passion for working in the social field in 2011 when she enrolled at Mcast for her first Diploma. Over the years, she earned an honors degree in Health and Social Care Management and later pursued a Master’s in Community Action and Development at the University of Malta. Her academic growth was complemented by hands-on experience in various social environments, both locally and abroad. In 2017, she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem as a Home Coordinator. In this journey with Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem she has served three different residences. This path has been immensely rewarding for Ms. Vella as she approaches each day as a new opportunity to empower others and help them improve their life circumstances. Tracey uses music as her outlet. She is a professional clarinet player and plays this instrument in different settings.
Ms Andria Bugeja graduated with an honours bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2018. She is currently also enrolled in a Gestalt Psychotherapy Masters course and will be graduating in November 2024. Her first job in the field was working with Appogg and Inspire. She also has experience working in a healthcare company. She joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem in 2022 as a support worker and worked for a few months at Dar Imelda and then moved to Dar Victoria. Her current role is that of an Intake & Assessment support worker. Through this journey with Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem she has gained ample experience, and this has contributed to her growth as a professional. She hopes to keep developing on a professional level
Mr. Noel Zahra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1996 and worked in various professional roles in the social services and educational sectors, including as project officer with the Social Welfare Development Programme (now FSWS) and as a programme coordinator with the Foundation for Educational Services (FES). He also gained vast experience in web development and design when he also worked in tech roles with startup tech companies based in Malta and abroad. He joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem in 2024 as a support worker at Dar Victoria. Noel is also into various sports activities, mostly running and cycling.
Ms. Sarah Bondin graduated from the University of Malta with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2002. She worked in various social care fields with non-governmental organisations including direct work with homeless women, children on the autism spectrum and young-people in out-of-home care, the latter as a Coordinator of a Home for unaccompanied minors asylum seekers. She obtained a Post-Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking from Tavistock Clinic in 2005 which she mostly applied in organisational settings, first as Head of Care and later as Service Manager for the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers. In her work in the field of migration she particularly focused on unaccompanied minors and vulnerable asylum seekers. She was a national expert on age and vulnerability assessment and as part of the senior management team she was also responsible for the development of services and the strategic development of the agency. She served as an expert on the development of a curriculum for reception workers at the European Asylum Support Office. Ms. Bondin continued her studies by reading for a Masters of Arts in Policy, Management and Government at the University of York where she graduated in 2013. In 2015 she started her journey as Director of The President’s Trust (later The Malta Trust Foundation) till early 2024 when she joined Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem. Ms. Bondin is also a part-time lecturer of psychology at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at MCAST. She enjoys travelling, reading and swimming and is a mother to a young teenager.
“Dar Victoria provides a supportive and safe environment for male patients suffering from severe and chronic mental illness. Without this residential home, many of the current residents would still be institutionalized in our mental health hospital since they need 24/7 support to live in the community.
The staff at Dar Victoria are dedicated and professional and go out of their way to help their patients. The staff help them with their day to day challenges and ensure that the patients have a good quality of life.
As a psychiatrist who works with patients suffering from severe and chronic mental illness, I am very thankful to the service that Dar Victoria offers to our patients.’”
Dr. Dimech, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist, Mental Health Services Malta
At the different facilities of Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, the overall mission is the same and Dar Leopoldo, Dar Teresa Spinelli, Dar Victoria, Dar Franġisk and Dar Imelda u Paul Debono all operate with the same ethos.
All facilities have a common service-framework that ensures that we not only provide a safe space through the provision of a shelter or accommodation, but that we truly provide a good quality service that instils hope and empowerment in our residents to effectively deal with their circumstances and attain as much skills as possible to lead a dignified life.
All services operate over three phases, known as the key performance indicators.
Phase 1 – Assessment and Establishment
Referrals to Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem are centralised through the Intake and Assessment team who conducts an initial assessment to establish that our services can cater for the holistic needs (medical, physical, social and emotional) of the referred person. It is in this way that we ensure that we not only provide accommodation but that we will be able to facilitate a meaningful placement. After admission the resident is supported to establish himself or herself within the home structure and daily routine. The professional team assists the resident to have a clearer picture of his or her situation within the new environment including the community that he or she will be residing in. The principle of individualisation is applied from the beginning according to the needs of the person.
Phase 2 – Interventions and Action Plans
This next phase is critical as it is the period when a care plan is agreed upon between the professional team and the resident. This care plan will prioritise the way forward by identifying needs, difficulties, setting realistic and attainable goals and agreeing on an action plan to achieve the desired goals or objectives. This may include improving daily living skills, personal care, repairing social and family networks, budgeting skills, recognising further educational priorities, preparing and engaging in employment and finding alternative housing. Other professionals/organisations and/or agencies may be identified to further assist the resident. During this process the team supports, encourages and facilitates through various interventions with the strong belief that despite the difficulties that the resident may encounter he or she can reach his potential. The services use a system of case reviews every six to eight weeks with the participation of all professionals, the resident and his or her family members (if appropriate and relevant). Case load management meetings are held bi-monthly where the team evaluates progress systematically.
Evaluation and Re-Integration
Once it is determined that the resident has reached his or her goals and is ready (health-wise, psychological and emotionally) to move on, efforts are directed towards a termination plan. This is done after it is also determined that termination is suitable for the needs of the resident. At this stage the professional team liaises also with the other significant members of the person (including other professionals) who will continue supporting the person in the community if this is suitable for the person concerned.
It is salient to point out that some different methods and tools do exist between the shelters (that is, Dar Teresa Spinelli and Dar Leopoldo) and the community mental-health services (Dar Victoria, Dar Franġisk and Dar Imelda) and whilst the overall framework is the same, the service-provision is also designed to cater for the particular objectives of the specific service.
The Foundation strives to provide the best quality of service to the residents and any interventions are carried out in the best interest of the residents with the aim of endeavouring their wellbeing and dignity. The residents play a crucial role in co-creating with us the best possible individual pathways for their short-term and long-term wellbeing. The residents’ participation in creating their own plans whilst we walk the planned journey together with them is at the core of our service-provision.
“The success of our services is driven by the collective efforts of all – be it our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, donors and other supporters. By working together we create a network of trust and shared responsibility that amplifies the reach and sustainability of our work. Our initiatives are shaped also by the voices of our residents because their participation is at the heart of our work. Finally we hold ourselves responsible to the highest standards of services, constantly reviewing and improving our processes to ensure they meet the evolving needs of our community”.
Sarah Bondin – General Manager
