An agreement has officially been signed between the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing and the Housing Authority on 20 October, reinforcing the need to establish a Care Plan for individuals in need for social accommodation.
The care plan is the result emerging from the research project, named “The next step in Housing Profiling” which addresses the existing complexities that occur when people are in need of social housing. This study delivered a specialised framework to address the various challenges faced by those resorting to social housing is an integral part of this agreement, conducted by researchers at the Faculty of Social Wellbeing. Through the implementation of the proposed Care plan, the quality of life and the standard of living is not only improved by accommodation but it will also enhance the life of the individual in terms of tangible re-skilling and necessary soft skills.
The idea behind the comprehensive care plan is to help applicants face other challenges they come across in life. The Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing Prof Andrew Azzopardi emphasises that most likely, a housing issue is the result of other sociological factors which need to be identified and treated accordingly. The care plan is part of the solution to the source of such housing difficulties.
The fruit of this collaboration will surely benefit the families having housing difficulties in more than just providing a shelter as a basic need. Prof Azzopardi stated that, “Finally we are bringing the ship to port and this is a great satisfactory feeling. It is not just house keys but we are also giving a chance for someone to be more autonomous, independent and emancipated. The Care plan will ensure that the help sought through the Housing Authority goes beyond satisfying a suitable accommodation, but will provide a fundamental right.”
Prof Sammut Bonnici, Pro Rector for Strategic Planning & Enterprise addressed the audience by saying “This Care plan will give access to all members of society, access to a new life, hope and accommodation above all. The University of Malta, through the faculty of Social Wellbeing is continuously working to improve the lives of our nation and it is in our ethos to conduct research that can find its way into national policy.”
The Minister for Social Accommodation, Hon. Roderick Galdes, delivered a press Conference at the brand new social housing building in Swatar, he talked about the importance of such collaboration and initiatives that will help our community move forward. Hon. Galdes remarked that the Housing Authority is working continuously to enhance resources, and to increase the amount of available houses and take into consideration other situational factors.
“Together we will continue utilising research and expertise in order to facilitate current social challenges, as we gradually implement the Care plan proposed. The Housing Authority is there to help someone facing all kinds of social challenges, from work to health issues and our aim is to help build a life for these families.” said Hon. Roderick Galdes.
The initiatives agreed upon include retaining an open dialogue to ensure critical engagement on social wellbeing and quality of life, especially through various research projects, and fostering a collaborative relationship, in order to draw on each other’s mission and strengths.