‘It’s crucial to integrate mental health with business’ – Richmond Foundation CEO

MENT+, a mental health assistance service geared towards enterprises, was announced yesterday 26th August during a conference presided over by Richmond Foundation CEO Stephania Dimech Sant, Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli, and Business First CEO Marika Tonna.

The service was announced after several businesses voiced their concerns over the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on their mental health.

“One’s wellbeing is not complete if one is not taking care of their mental health, as this will affect productivity and innovation,” Ms Dimech Sant said.

“Therefore, it is crucial to integrate mental health with business. This service will meet the needs of employers and directors in various businesses,” she continued.

The agreement to launch said service was signed by Malta Enterprise, Business First, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Richmond Foundation.

This was done in the presence of Minister Dalli.

“Apart from the financial assistance provided by the government – such as the wage supplement and other schemes – businesses needed guidance on how to cope with mental health and how to address the changes that were brought about by the pandemic,” the Business First CEO said.

The MENT+ service will be provided in two ways; firstly through a website where training will be provided in the form of short clips, and secondly, through one-to-one sessions handled by the Richmond Foundation.

“The pandemic has not only impacted our economy, but also the mental health of many people, employers, and businesses,” Minister Dalli said.

“Therefore, with this agreement, we will provide the MENT+ service to assist enterprises in an effective and realistic way,” she concluded.