The Sunrise Project
Empowering Adults with Mental Health Challenges through Community-Based Social Wellbeing Support.
For over seven years, the Sunrise Project, an initiative of The Malta Trust Foundation, has offered a community-focused, social wellbeing programme for adults facing mental health challenges in Gozo.
About the Project
For over seven years, the Sunrise Project, an initiative of The Malta Trust Foundation, has offered a community-focused, social wellbeing programme for adults facing mental health challenges in Gozo.
The project provides structured support outside traditional hospital settings, enabling clients to live independently, manage challenges, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
Sunrise operates on a social wellbeing and rights-based model.
Importantly, Sunrise is not a psychiatric service; it does not provide clinical or hospital-based treatment.
Instead, it focuses on social rehabilitation, skill development, and community integration, using a proactive, preventive approach.
Aligned with
WHO Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2030)
Endorsing recovery-oriented, community-based mental health services.
National Mental Health Strategy, Malta (2021–2026)
Emphasizing deinstitutionalization, social inclusion, early intervention, and recovery-focused care.
Personalised Support
Clients are referred by health professionals or may self-refer. Each client undergoes a comprehensive assessment, leading to a personalized support plan that includes frequency and type of engagement tailored to individual needs.
- Referral by health professionals or self-referral.
- Comprehensive assessment for each client.
- Personalized support plan tailored to individual needs.
- Support frequency and engagement type planned according to each client.
Social Wellbeing Model
Outside Hospital Settings
Sunrise provides structured support outside traditional hospital settings, enabling clients to live independently and manage challenges.
Community Integration
The project supports adults to participate meaningfully in their communities through social rehabilitation and community integration.
Preventive Approach
Sunrise uses a proactive, preventive approach focused on social rehabilitation, skill development, and community participation.
Collaborations & Community Engagement
The Sunrise Project partners with local organizations to enhance coordinated, community-based support.
Dar il-Kantuniera (DIK)
Joint taskforce activities and optional day service access.
Gozo General Hospital MDT
Advice and coordination support.
Ministry for Gozo & Planning
Community events, awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.
Community Participation
- Clients actively contributed to community initiatives, including baking for Ministry of Gozo & Planning events.
- Clients prepared traditional Figolli for Għarb Local Council.
- These initiatives promoted social inclusion, confidence, and meaningful participation.
Sunrise supports social rehabilitation, skill development, and community integration for adults facing mental health challenges in Gozo.