Sedqa as a pioneer element in Prevention Service Provision

Jareth Grima Prevention Services Manager at Aġenzija Sedqa

The Aġenzija Sedqa offers support to people who have addiction difficulties and their relatives. Prevention programs are also offered to increase more awareness on addictions and how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Prevention programmes are run throughout our primary schools. The grade 3 programme is referred to as T.F.A.L. 3 (Tfal Favur Ambjent Liberu 3) and is the one being used. It tackles basic life skills through the use of puppets, an interactive workbook with stickers, games and activities but also through the use of songs. It consists of six sessions and covers the topics of feelings, peer pressure, decision making, coping skills, addictions, seeking help and concludes with a revision session. in Form 2. The programme consists of three lessons and cover the topics of coping skills and decision making, wise use of technology and addictions. Games, teamwork, workbook and discussions are used to interact with the students.

The grade 5 programme continues to build on the T.F.A.L 5 (Tfal Favur Ambjent Liberu 5) programme learning outcomes. The topics covered include self love and coping skills, peer pressure and decision making, addictions, wise use of medicine, wise use of technology and gambling. The use of stories and games are used to make the lessons more interactive and engaging for students.

Sessions are also offered to post secondary schools in order to create more awareness and discussion based on topics relevant to the students. Post Secondary interventions are implemented through the means of outreach events in public hubs within the specific educational setting.

Sessions are also offered to adults within their workplace through S.A.F.E. (Skills for Addiction Free Employees) programme. Sessions with management are held to offer guidance on substance misuse policy at the workplace. Moreover, workshops are held with the employees on the topics of addictions, stress management, bullying at the workplace and also work-life balance amongst other topics.

Throughout the year, village feasts or themed events are organized within different communities and the Prevention Team participates in such events.

Additionally non-alcoholic mocktails are displayed for the general public while awareness on alternatives fo alcoholic drinks iare offered. Mocktails can be tasted and a booklet with different recipes is also given to those interested.

The prevention team offers interactive sessions to different entities within the community. These include scout groups, football nurseries, religious entities and any other group. The sessions incorporate games, videos, discussions and even crafts.

The prevention team assesses the group and tailor the sessions according to the group’s needs. Sessions covered include from selfesteem, coping skills, decision making, stress management, peer pressure, stress management, effective communication, to the wise use of technology and an overview of addictions.

Those interested in these sessions, one can kindly contact the Prevention Team on 2388 5110 or send us a message on the Sedqa Malta Facebook page, Sedqa Malta Instagram Page or Sedqa Malta Linkedln Page.

The aim of this involvement is to reach out to the general public within their community. The prevention team have a stand. The decorated stand offers different activities to all the family. These include information provided about Sedqa and the services offered, games, crafts and also face painting are offered for free.