Agenzija Sapport started the year with the launch of its 11th Day Centre in Bahar ic-Caghaq. The centre provides day services to persons with disabilities, with the aim of promoting independent living, autonomy and inclusion within the community.
There are currently 17 young adults between the ages of 22-23, who are benefitting from the services at the centre, and are given the opportunity to develop their current skills and acquire new ones with the appropriate level of support and resources.
The services provided are personalised according to the needs of the beneficiaries, and the beneficiaries are encouraged to choose the activities they would like to partake in themselves. The programmes vary from basic table manners to using a personal computer to certified food handling training. Activities are linked with personal hygiene, etiquette, physical exercise, leisure, hobbies and opportunities for employment. The centre is also working on establishing connections to be able to sell homemade frozen food items to local businesses.
The modern building was designed with accessible features and incorporates easy-to-read signage for beneficiaries to be able to use the facility with ease. The centre is equipped with a main room where different programmes are held, an interactive room in which several programmes take place with the use of interactive whiteboards, a kitchen for cooking activities and an outdoor area. The centre is also equipped with fitness equipment, professional music instruments, adaptive equipment such as joysticks to use a computer, touch screen monitors, Ipads and sewing machines.
This is all possible thanks to the Agency’s professionals such as Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Support Workers that continuously work to deliver interactive and inclusive activities for all beneficiares.
The new day centre was inaugurated by Hon. Michael Falzon, Minister for the Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity and Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing.