Innovative addiction prevention practices presented at international conference
Sedqa representatives deliver presentation on agency’s lifespan prevention model
Malta’s commitment to innovation in addiction prevention took centre stage at the 10th International Conference on Behavioural Addictions (ICBA) 2025, held in Nantes, France.
Representing Aġenzija Sedqa within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), Amy Borg Taylor and Josianne Azzopardi delivered a compelling presentation titled ‘Innovative Prevention Practices in Malta’, showcasing the agency’s forward-thinking, evidence-based approach.
The presentation highlighted Sedqa’s lifespan prevention model, delivered by a multidisciplinary prevention team that tailors programmes for children, adolescents, adults and workplace settings.
Among these are the T.F.A.L. 3 and T.F.A.L. 5 programmes for primary school students, which incorporate creative tools such as puppets, songs, interactive stories, digital games and multimedia presentations. Both programmes are accredited at Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) Level 2.
For older students, programmes such as T.O.T.B. (Think Outside the Box) and B.A.S.H. (Be a Smart Hero) focus on developing life skills through dynamic formats, including exhibitions, video content and digital resources.
Meanwhile, S.A.F.E., the agency’s workplace programme, provides targeted workshops and assists organisations in developing substance misuse and gambling policies using realistic scenarios, infographics and videos.
Today we recognise that addiction can take many different forms
Innovation is a core pillar of all interventions, with the integration of digital games, original music and thematic activities significantly boosting engagement and retention.
The presentation also underlined the creation of safe spaces within these programmes, which have led to an increased number of personal disclosures, including 61 cases related to abuse or substance use in the 2023-2024 period alone.
“In the past, when discussing addictions, the conversation always centred around substances such as drugs and alcohol. However, today we recognise that addiction can take many different forms that are just as harmful. These are referred to as behavioural addictions,” Anna Maria Vella, clinical chairperson, FSWS, said.
Gianluca Bezzina, principal general practitioner with a special interest in addictions, added: “It is important for an agency such as Sedqa to be present at conferences like this, as they provide an opportunity for us to share our expertise and learn from others. This allows us to strengthen the services we offer, especially those focused on youth.”
Beyond direct service delivery, Sedqa’s prevention efforts are amplified through community outreach, social media campaigns and corporate partnerships, extending their reach and relevance.
The presentation concluded with a powerful message: innovation is not only the future, it is a tool for transformation and resilience today.