Malta to Host National Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival on World Mental Health Day
A national festival promoting mental health awareness and wellbeing, named Nitkellem, will be held this Friday, October 10th, at Fort St Elmo, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.
The event is a collaborative effort between the Maltese government and several organizations including the Richmond Foundation, SOS Malta, Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, and Special Olympics Malta, alongside actress Simone Spiteri and swimmer Neil Agius. Leading the initiative is Lydia Abela, wife of the Prime Minister. Fort St Elmo will be transformed into “a village of serenity,” offering opportunities for reflection and open dialogue to combat stigma and promote practical wellbeing strategies.
The festival will feature a range of activities throughout the day, beginning with an interactive journey for students from 9am to noon, designed to help them express their thoughts and emotions. Informal discussions on the impact of relationships, art, culture, and food on mental health will follow until 3pm, and swimmer Neil Agius will lead a session focused on valuable life skills. A national conference for professionals, activists, and experts will begin at 5pm, aiming to shape future strategies in mental healthcare – a critical need as mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the global population.
The day will conclude with a concert at 8pm by Kelma Kelma Nota Nota, titled ‘Tesaġerax! Riċetta għal Ħajja Aħjar’ (Don’t Exaggerate! Recipe for a Better Life), with proceeds benefiting the Richmond Foundation; tickets are available online. Officials stated that the festival aims to foster a more resilient and compassionate society.
