Project SPOT (2019-2020)

PROJECT SPOT

Why SPOT:

Local statistics indicate that 289 suicides have occurred on our island between 2007 and 2017 (Bonnici, 2017). Thus, on average 25 families per year have lost a loved one to suicide. The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 804,000 individuals commit suicide per year, and that statistic is continuously increasing (WHO, 2014). Due to the sensitive nature of suicide and the work it entails including different departments there is a tendency for the act to go under reported (WHO, 2014).

Victim Support Malta is concerned about this situation and feels that something needs to be done about this problem. To date, Malta has no holistic local service which provides for the needs of persons who have come in touch with suicide, and our organization is striving to fill that gap!

About SPOT:

Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic services is a new project developed by Victim Support Malta, with the support of Marigold Foundation, aimed at dealing with suicide prevention, and the provision of support to persons who are bereaved by suicide.

A team has been identified to receive specialized training and by December 2018, the service will be open to the general public.

Group, individual, and family based therapy options will be provided and interventions will take place on a case-by-case basis in order to cater to the particular needs of persons who reach out for support.

Members of the general public are invited to get in touch with VSM via telephone, email or social media should they wish to access this service.