President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, together with representatives from the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, received Christabelle Borg on a courtesy call at San Anton Palace.
The President, congratulated Christabelle and the winning team on their win last Saturday and thanked Christabelle, for giving hope and empowerment, to all those who are suffering from mental health issues, through the message of the song ‘Taboo’. The President said that the song’s message should be of great help in eradicating the stigma which there is in our country when we talk about mental health issues.
It is for this reason, that President Coleiro Preca appointed Christabelle as an Ambassador of the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society on Mental Health. Director General of the Foundation, Dr Ruth Farrugia explained that four years ago, the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society facilitated the setting up of a platform for NGOs in Malta, active in the sector of mental health. The Foundation has also coordinated various consultation sessions and roundtables with diverse groups and communities, to discuss issues of mental health and wellbeing; set up an art exhibition that highlighted the creativity of people living with issues of mental health; and works very closely with the Commissioner for Mental Health on yearly initiatives that coincide with World Mental Health Day, such as the report issued last year.
This report was issued following a series of meetings held by the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner, with service users, mental health NGOs, and other organisations. These meetings were held to explore ways through which the wellbeing of sufferers of poor mental health in Malta can be improved. Prior to the publication of the report, President Coleiro Preca visited three community centres in Malta, giving service users the space to discuss the issued that impact their lives directly, and to propose possible ways that they can be improved.
President Coleiro Preca thanked Christabelle for accepting the honour, and wished her all the best on her road which will lead her to Lisbon in May.
“I am sure that with your talent, and with the powerful message which “Taboo” has, you and your team shall give the best visibility to Malta,” the President concluded.
Christabelle was accompanied by CEO of Public Broadcasting Services Mr Charles Dalli, Assistant Head of Delegation, Ms Doreen Cortis and Matt ‘Muxu’ Mercieca, who co-wrote the song with Christabelle.