ERDF.08.031: The Meeting Place

Through this project, a dilapidated building in Marsa was refurbished and regenerated for use by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the educational, health and social sectors. The Meeting Place provides such NGOs with adequate infrastructure for the provision of support services, including therapeutic interventions, educational and mentoring interventions, and information and advice services. The ultimate aim is to support the integration of vulnerable persons within the community, and to alleviate vulnerable persons out-of-poverty & social exclusion, whilst bringing vulnerable groups closer to the labour market. The Meeting Place is equipped with office space, meeting rooms, conferencing facilities, recreational facilities and open spaces, which all aim to help vulnerable people to socialise and integrate within their community.

This project was implemented with the intention of giving a helping hand to vulnerable or disadvantaged persons, such as those who are at risk of poverty, persons with disability, working poor, children and elderly persons. The Meeting Place gives a home to NGOs who voice social, health and educational matters, and provides the persons attending the centre with a close-knit community. The Meeting Place also equips people with the necessary tools, empowering them to break away from the poverty trap and social exclusion, whilst offering support and advice.

Since its opening, The Meeting Place has provided services to a number of vulnerable or disadvantaged persons, catering for a wide variety of needs. The innovative facilities allow for therapeutic, mentoring and advisory interventions to take place, helping vulnerable persons enhance their employment prospects. Seminars are frequently organised specifically for vulnerable persons, as well as for professionals, employers, and NGOs. The number of activities and events hosted by the centre encourage participation by vulnerable persons, enhancing their skills and integration with the rest of society.

Apart from assisting vulnerable persons, the Meeting Place is providing a venue for the training of NGOs as a means of enhancing their capacity and efficiency, particularly in terms of faciltiating their outreach within the community, helping them identify and target the persons who need assistance the most.