The new premises of the Employee Support Program (ESP) have been officially launched in Valletta last Thursday 10th October 2024.  The ESP offers counselling and support services to public employees and has been in service for more than ten years. The number of clients is constantly increasing.  Since the introduction of the programme, in total, over 3400 new clients have benefitted from the service.

The Government is committed to offer tangible support to all its officers and employees so much so that it has made a commitment that every worker should have access to free services to support them in their Mental Wellbeing and in improving their mental health. As a model employer, the Government understands both the pressures of life and work, as well as other circumstances in life such as death, illness and family issues amongst others, and the impact they leave on a person psychologically, emotionally, and physically. 

The Employee Support Programme is essential for professionals and public employees especially in critical areas such as police, civil protection, health, and education. As a recognition to the level of support required in such areas, the ESP operates within individual agreements catered for the specific needs of these professionals and public employees. 

Due to the importance and ever-increasing need of this service, the Government invested in a new floor which offers a more modern and aesthetically attractive space, and which forms an integral part of the People & Standards building, where people are considered central to the Administration. So much so that the building already hosts the One Stop Shop for Public Employees. The ESP is now more equipped to provide a more effective service and focus on the well-being of both clients and employees who are providing this service. The space from which support and therapy services are provided are equipped and designed in such a way as to help those receiving support feel welcome and comfortable to disclose what they would be going through.

We encourage employees to reach out to the ESP services which are both confidential and free of charge. The service also operates within extended hours to provide a more discreet service and encourage employees to come forward. 

This new building project for ESP services was co-financed by "Operational Program I — Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 — Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challenges."