The Richmond Foundation, with the Employment Training Corporation, Malta Employers Association and Compagnie de Sporen (Belgium), has been awarded funding under Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Structural Funds for a project entitled ‘Impact assessment of mental health on employment for policy development’.

The project, implemented over 2009 and 2010, assessed the impact of mental health on employment.

The research identified obstacles and labour market distortions which need to be addressed to develop, improve or change policies and systems that contribute towards the access, integration, retention and progression in employment, especially with regard to those experiencing mental health difficulties.

The foundation presented the research findings and draft policy recommendations during two seminars held on December 1 and 3 for a number of employers and employers’ representatives at The Palace hotel, Sliema.

Results showed 29.5 per cent of the people interviewed said they were diagnosed with anxiety problems, another 26.9 per cent said they were diagnosed with stress problems, and 24.4 per cent with depression.

The seminars served to mobilise employers and their representatives to finalise and strengthen the policy recommendations which the foundation hopes can be translated into achievable actions.

The draft policy recommendations can be viewed at www.richmond.org.mt. Feedback is to be sent to info@richmond.org.mt.

The full research findings and report and the final policy recommendations will be presented during a conference for policy-makers, employers, unions and other stakeholders on January 20.

For more information about the project, call 2122 4580 or 2148 2336.