‘YOU Matter’: Mental Health Campaign To Be Promoted Through Maltese Football
A new campaign focusing on mental health in sport has been launched through a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Malta Football Association (MFA).
The initiative, themed ‘YOU Matter’, was announced by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela and MFA President Bjorn Vassallo.
As part of the campaign, captains taking part in the MFA Jubilee Cup, a competition marking the MFA’s 125th anniversary, will wear armbands reading ‘YOU Matter – Ċempel 1579’. The number 1579 is Malta’s 24/7 mental health helpline.
Minister Abela said the collaboration highlights the importance of protecting mental health, stressing that it is “crucial for overall wellbeing.” He added that the ministry will continue working with sports bodies on campaigns that deliver health messages through sport.
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“It is important to remind people of 1579, where those facing mental health challenges can find support at any time of day. We are committed to working with the MFA and other sporting organisations on health campaigns that benefit the Maltese and Gozitan people,” Abela said.
MFA President Bjorn Vassallo said the agreement allows the association to use football’s platform to send a strong social message.
“Over the years we have sought to use football’s reach to raise awareness about key social issues. Through this campaign, we can further increase understanding of mental health,” Vassallo said, thanking the ministry for supporting the Jubilee Cup and recognising football’s potential to inspire positive change.
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