Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic Services (SPOT)

Victim Support Malta, in cooperation with the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity provides Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic Services (SPOT) to support and assist those who have been affected by suicide as well as individuals who have had a suicidal attempt or plan 6 months prior.
 
SPOT initially started out as a pilot project that is funded by the Marigold foundation. It was a project that is tailored towards supporting individuals affected by suicide. Statistics taken between 2007-2017 indicate that 289 local suicides occurred in that time (Bonnici, 2017). This means that an average of 25 families per year have lost a loved one in Malta. Through SPOT Project we were able to fill the gap of a free holistic local service to these individuals.
 
WHAT IS SPOT?
 
The service provides free emotional support to all persons aged 18yrs+ in the form of SLO (Suicide Liaison Officer), Psychotherapy, Counselling, Family Therapy, Psychiatric evaluation, and follow-up services.
Persons who can benefit from our support are:
 
• Persons who were exposed to the Suicide such as passersby and neighbours, • Persons who were affected by a Suicide such as Family, Friends, Police, Paramedics, and others directly involved,
• Suicide bereaved such as Family, Friends, Peers, Colleagues, Longstanding Health or Social Care Workers and Teachers,
• Persons who have attempted suicide at least 6 months prior to making appointment.
 
Whilst we would love to support all individuals it is important to note that we are not a crisis intervention service and all support is offered by appointment. In case of crisis please call 112.
 
Our team has had specialised training abroad so that we can provide group, individual and family based therapy options. Our focus is on supporting families who have been bereaved by suicide as well as individuals who have had a suicidal attempt or plan in motion. Whilst we would love to support all individuals it is important to note that we are not a crisis intervention service and all support is offered by appointment.
 
If you have been affected by Suicide, and would like to access our SPOT services, get in touch with us by contacting Victim Support Malta on + 356 2122 8333 or send us an email on info@victimsupport.org.mt