Middlesea Group recently presented computer equipment to Caritas Malta. The equipment was presented by Mr David G. Curmi, Middlesea Valletta Life General Manager and Mr Simon Camilleri Middlesea Insurance p.l.c. Assistant General Manager, to Mgr Victor Grech, Caritas Malta Director.

Mgr Victor Grech explained that the new computer equipment will be vital to Caritas because it will enable it to run its Harm Reduction Shelter more effectively. "The smooth running of the shelter requires the implementation of a computerised system of client assessment. In addition, maintaining accurate records of clients, updated statistics of the services offered by Caritas and of local trends which are then shared with local and overseas agencies is essential," Mgr Grech said.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Curmi pointed out that Caritas plays an indispensable role in assisting persons caught up in a web of drug abuse and who are working towards abstinence.

The Caritas Harm Reduction Shelter provides a structured day programme for persons who abuse drugs and alcohol, and who are not yet in a position to work towards total abstinence. Close contact is sustained with other professionals, such as probation officers, medical doctors, psychiatrists, among others.

Clients who are also homeless have the opportunity to take up temporary residence at the shelter which performs crisis interventions and provides support and therapy to clients. At the centre, Caritas, together with other professionals, assists its clients to achieve eventual sobriety and freedom from drug use, regain their dignity and establish themselves as useful and responsible members of society. 

Via its Harm Reduction Day Programme, Caritas is expected to provide a service to an average of 20-25 clients per day. The Harm Reduction Shelter will initially accommodate up to 10 homeless persons with drug addiction per day.

Middlesea Group is comprised of Middlesea Insurance p.l.c, Middlesea Valletta Life Assurance Company Ltd, International Insurance Management Services Ltd, Progress Assicurazioni S.p.A, Malta international Training Centre and Growth Investments Ltd all of whom are licensed by their respective authorities.

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