Richmond Foundation https://www.richmond.org.mt/ Let's talk about Mental Health Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:57:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers: Supporting Employee Wellbeing with Expert Help https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/08/04/you-dont-have-to-have-all-the-answers-supporting-employee-wellbeing-with-expert-help/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:57:59 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=8062 The post You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers: Supporting Employee Wellbeing with Expert Help appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Leading a team means being there for your people, not only when things are going well, but when life takes an unexpected turn. An employee loses a loved one. A colleague begins showing signs of emotional distress. A traumatic incident affects the whole team. These situations can leave managers and HR professionals wanting to do the right thing, while wondering what that actually looks like.

The truth is, you’re not expected to have all the answers. Supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t mean becoming a mental health expert. It means recognising when a situation calls for specialist guidance and knowing where to turn.

So if you want to better equip yourself and your leaders in similar instances the Healthy Minds Consult service is designed to give organisations direct access to Richmond Foundation’s mental health professionals, providing expert advice and practical support whenever workplace wellbeing challenges arise.

A case study: Expert support makes all the difference

Over the years, Richmond Foundation has worked alongside businesses across all kinds of sectors, and Lynn Sammut, Head of Wellbeing Services, has seen firsthand just how differently these situations can unfold.

“I remember one HR manager who called us after a member of her team had experienced a death in the family,” Lynn recalls. “She didn’t know whether to reach out to them directly, whether to say something to the rest of the team, or just wait and see. She just felt stuck. We talked her through it step by step, and honestly, that kind of guidance can change everything for someone in that position.”

It’s not always something as sudden as an accident or a loss, either. “Sometimes it’s quieter than that,” Lynn says. “A manager notices someone’s not quite themselves, they’re withdrawn, maybe missing more days than usual, and they’re not sure if they should say something or if that would be overstepping. We get calls like that a lot, actually.”

And then there’s the longer-term work, she adds, like helping organisations put proper mental health policies in place so they’re not scrambling every time something comes up. “That’s some of the most rewarding work, honestly, because you’re helping build something that lasts and which will affect employees for years to come.”

Whatever the situation, Lynn’s advice is always the same: “Reaching out early really does make all the difference. That’s what Healthy Minds Consult is there for, it gives organisations a direct line to our team whenever they need us.”

How Healthy Minds Consult can support your organisation

Partnering with Richmond Foundation gives you access to experienced mental health professionals who can help you build a healthier, more supportive workplace.

  • Access to workplace mental health experts: Gain professional advice from Richmond Foundation’s experienced mental health team whenever you need guidance on employee wellbeing or complex workplace situations.
  • Tailored mental health policies: Develop practical policies and procedures that provide a clear framework for supporting employees while helping to foster a positive, psychologically healthy workplace culture.
  • Support for HR and leadership teams: Equip managers and HR professionals with the knowledge, practical strategies, and expert guidance needed to respond confidently to workplace mental health challenges and maintain positive employee relationships.
  • Building strong wellbeing foundations: Create a sustainable workplace wellbeing programme through leadership commitment, staff training, clearly defined responsibilities, effective policies, and ongoing support for employees.
  • Expert guidance during critical situations: Receive timely telephone support from Richmond Foundation’s mental health professionals when dealing with sensitive situations, such as an employee experiencing severe emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, ensuring your team is guided towards the most appropriate response.

Ready to strengthen your workplace?

Whether you’re looking to build a more proactive approach to workplace wellbeing or need expert guidance through a challenging situation, the Healthy Minds Consult team is here to help.

Get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs, learn more about our consultancy services, and explore how we can tailor our support to your workplace. Contact us at support@richmond.org.mt to start the conversation.

The post You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers: Supporting Employee Wellbeing with Expert Help appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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How CPI Training Helps De-escalate Challenging Situations https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/07/07/how-cpi-training-helps-de-escalate-challenging-situations/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:15:00 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7967 The post How CPI Training Helps De-escalate Challenging Situations appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Tension and confrontation are, whether we like it or not, a part of life. Whether in the workplace or our personal relationships, we’re all likely to encounter moments when emotions begin to rise, disagreements escalate, or someone becomes distressed or angry.

The challenge is that most of us have never been taught how to respond. Some people step back, unsure what to do. Others instinctively meet tension with more tension, often making the situation worse. Yet considering how common these moments are, it’s surprising how few of us have the skills or confidence to de-escalate them calmly and effectively.

That’s where Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training comes in. Through practical, evidence-based techniques, CPI teaches professionals how to recognise early warning signs, communicate with empathy, and respond to challenging situations in ways that are safe, respectful, and compassionate. In this blog, we’ll explore what CPI is and how it can help organisations build safer, more confident, and more supportive workplaces.

A Real-Life Perspective: Practising what we preach

At Richmond Foundation, supporting people through challenging moments is part of everyday life. Teams regularly work with individuals experiencing distress, which means difficult conversations and heightened emotions can sometimes arise. That’s why we believe it’s important to practise what we encourage other organisations to do.

“CPI training has been truly transformative for our teams,” says Anthony Debattista, Head of Corporate at Richmond Foundation. “It has equipped our professionals with the skills to recognise early warning signs, de-escalate challenging situations with confidence, and respond with both empathy and professionalism.”

Anthony goes on to explain that the impact has gone far beyond handling individual incidents. “The verbal and safety intervention techniques not only make our workplace safer, they foster a culture of trust, respect, and compassionate care that extends far beyond any single situation.”

For organisations where people face demanding or emotionally charged situations, Anthony’s advice is simple: “This training is an investment that will make a real and lasting difference to your people and those they support.”

What you'll learn through CPI Training

CPI goes beyond simply teaching people how to react in a crisis. It equips participants with practical techniques that are grounded in ethical and legal standards, helping participants to recognise the early signs of escalating behaviour, respond with confidence, and help prevent situations from reaching crisis point wherever possible.

Through the training, participants will learn how to:

  • Recognise the early stages of escalating behaviour and respond before a situation intensifies.
  • Stay calm under pressure using techniques such as rational detachment to manage their own emotional responses.
  • Listen with empathy, acknowledging emotions without judgement while helping individuals feel heard.
  • Use respectful communication and non-threatening body language to reduce tension rather than escalate it.
  • Set clear boundaries and offer choices that encourage cooperation instead of confrontation.
  • Understand the stages of a crisis, knowing how to adapt their response as situations develop and safely guide them towards resolution.

Equip your team with the confidence to respond

Every workplace will face challenging conversations from time to time. The difference lies in whether your people have the confidence and practical skills to respond in a way that de-escalates tension, protects relationships, and keeps everyone safe.

Whether you’re looking to proactively strengthen your team’s communication skills or support staff working in more demanding environments, CPI training provides practical techniques that participants can apply both in the workplace and in everyday life.

Get in touch with Richmond Foundation to learn more about our CPI training and how it can be tailored to the needs of your organisation so we can help your people feel safer, better supported, and better equipped to care for others.

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Burnout is not a badge of honour: How you can help your team recharge https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/06/08/burnout-is-not-a-badge-of-honour-how-you-can-help-your-team-recharge/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:04:40 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7887 The post Burnout is not a badge of honour: How you can help your team recharge appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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As employers, we naturally want to encourage and reward productivity. Every successful organisation depends on people who are engaged, motivated, and willing to give their best. Sometimes, however, that focus on productivity can unintentionally create a culture where people feel they need to be “on” all the time, as employees feel pressure to constantly show how much they are doing, take on more responsibilities, and stay connected to work long after the day has ended.

At first, this can look like commitment and dedication. But when rest and recovery are pushed aside, the result can lead to burnout, which will inevitably cause emotional and mental exhaustion that ultimately harms both employees and organisations.

The reality is that burnout is never a badge of honour. People do their best work when they have the space to rest, recharge, and maintain fulfilling lives outside of work.

A Real-Life Perspective: Changing The Culture From The Top

When Mark founded his company, long hours were simply part of his entrepreneurial journey. “In those early start-up days, weekends and late nights were normal,” he says. Years later, although the business was stable and it no longer required that same relentless pace, Mark noticed many employees were still behaving as though it did.

“I’d wake up to emails sent late at night or find team members messaging me on weekends about work. I appreciated their dedication, but I started wondering whether I’d created a culture where people felt they always had to be available.”

After speaking with another business owner, Mark was introduced to Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Recharge programme. Through the experience, both he and his team had the opportunity to reflect on their wellbeing, recognise signs of burnout, and explore healthier ways of working.

“The programme was great, and it really made me realise that leading by example matters,” he explains. “Now when my team takes a holiday, they do it without a sense of guilt or as if they need to make up for that lost time. We know they’ll come back more focused and energised. And I think the team appreciates knowing their wellbeing genuinely matters to us,” he says.

A Real-Life Perspective: Changing The Culture From The Top

Creating a healthier workplace doesn’t require drastic changes. Often, small shifts in culture and everyday habits can make a big difference to how your people perform.

  1. Lead by example

Employees take their cues from leadership. If managers never switch off, answer emails late at night, or avoid taking leave, teams often feel they need to do the same. Demonstrate healthy boundaries yourself and give employees permission to do likewise.

  1. Encourage proper breaks

A lunch break isn’t a luxury. Encourage employees to step away from their desks (and their phones!), take short breaks throughout the day, and use their annual leave entitlement. Recovery during the workday can be just as important as recovery outside it.

  1. Focus on outcomes, not hours

Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. Reward quality work, collaboration, and results rather than long hours or constant availability.

  1. Respect time outside work

Avoid creating an expectation that employees should always be reachable. Limiting after-hours emails and messages helps people properly disconnect and recharge.

  1. Create opportunities to reset

Dedicated wellbeing initiatives, reflective workshops, and programmes such as Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Recharge can give employees practical tools to reconnect with their wellbeing and return to work feeling refreshed and energised.

Ready. Set. Recharge!

Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity to pause and reset. Healthy Minds Recharge gives employees exactly that through a structured, evidence-informed experience designed to help them step back from daily pressures, reflect on their wellbeing, and develop practical tools they can continue using long after the programme ends.

Whether you’re looking to proactively support your team, address signs of stress and fatigue, or simply create a healthier workplace culture, Healthy Minds Recharge can be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation and people.

Get in touch with Richmond Foundation to learn more about Healthy Minds Recharge and discover how our programmes can lead to better performance and lasting results for your team.

The post Burnout is not a badge of honour: How you can help your team recharge appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Workplace Wellbeing Starts with Asking the Right Questions https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/05/11/workplace-wellbeing-starts-with-asking-the-right-questions/ Mon, 11 May 2026 10:55:10 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7834 The post Workplace Wellbeing Starts with Asking the Right Questions appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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As a Director, Manager or HR professional, you already know that the success of any organisation ultimately comes down to its people. Every company is shaped by the individuals and teams behind it, which is why understanding how employees are really doing matters.

Many workplaces today are becoming more proactive about wellbeing. But there’s still one major challenge in that most employees are rarely fully open about what they’re experiencing at work. Often, that hesitation is understandable. People may worry that being honest about stress, burnout, or dissatisfaction could affect their livelihoods. The result is that important issues affecting morale, productivity, and workplace culture can quietly go unnoticed, not because leadership doesn’t care, but because they don’t always have full visibility.

That’s exactly why Richmond Foundation created Healthy Minds Know. This is our workplace wellbeing survey tool that helps organisations across Malta better understand, support, and strengthen their people through honest, evidence-based insight.

A real-life perspective: moving beyond guesswork

When the Malta Communications Authority began exploring ways to better understand employee wellbeing across the organisation, the team recognised the importance of moving beyond assumptions and gaining clearer insight into how employees were really feeling.

That’s when the Authority partnered with Richmond Foundation through the Healthy Minds Know programme.

According to Stella Vella, Assistant Manager HR & Administration, the process was “highly professional and well managed from start to finish.” Before the survey was distributed, Richmond Foundation delivered “an informative presentation beforehand to ensure staff were fully updated and engaged,” helping employees feel comfortable participating in the anonymous wellbeing survey.

Following completion, the Authority received “a comprehensive report” with “valuable recommendations for staff training and the development of Mental Health First Aiders within the Authority.” These insights helped leadership better understand the needs of employees and identify meaningful areas for improvement. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Richmond Foundation on future wellbeing and mental health initiatives,” Stella adds.

What Healthy Minds Know helps organisations do

Healthy Minds Know gives organisations practical, evidence-based insight into employee wellbeing, helping leadership move beyond assumptions and make more informed decisions.

Through the programme, organisations can:

  • Gather honest, first-hand feedback directly from employees through confidential wellbeing surveys
  • Identify patterns affecting morale, stress levels, engagement, and workplace culture
  • Spot potential issues early before they escalate into burnout, absenteeism, or staff turnover
  • Use standardised questionnaires aligned with international studies and wellbeing benchmarks
  • Compare results over time to measure progress and identify areas for improvement
  • Better understand the real challenges employees may be facing at work
  • Create more targeted wellbeing initiatives based on actual employee experiences rather than guesswork
  • Strengthen workplace culture by showing employees their voices are being heard

Start understanding what your people really need with Healthy Minds Know

Research consistently shows that investing in employee mental health delivers long-term benefits for both people and businesses. Employees who feel heard, supported, and valued are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and connected to their workplace. And when organisations regularly check in on wellbeing, they are far better equipped to identify concerns early and respond in meaningful ways.

If you’d like to better understand how Healthy Minds Know works, get in touch with Richmond Foundation. Together, we can help you build a workplace where your people feel genuinely heard and supported.

The post Workplace Wellbeing Starts with Asking the Right Questions appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Rock for Richmond 2026 https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/04/07/rock-for-richmond-2026/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:31:33 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7719 The post Rock for Richmond 2026 appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Join us for the 7th edition of Richmond Foundation’s annual fundraising concert.
Date: Saturday 18th July 2026
Venue: Ġnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta .
Doors open: 7:30PM
Get ready for a night with some of the best local bands and musical acts delivering electrifying live performances amongst a community that cares – all for a good cause!

The price is 20 Euro per person.
(plus 2 Euro service charge by ticketing system)

This years' line up

The price is 20 Euro per person.
(plus 2 Euro service charge by ticketing system)

Support Richmond Foundation

Rock for Richmond is not just an opportunity to rock out to top local acts, but a way to support Richmond’s work. Proceeds from the event will go toward funding the Foundation’s professional mental health support services and mental health advocacy.

Support Richmond's mission to Kenya

 

By purchasing a ticket for Rock for Richmond, you will also be supporting Richmond Foundation’s mission to Kenya – a new initiative led entirely by Richmond staff and volunteers.

This summer, a team from Richmond Foundation will travel to Kenya to undertake voluntary work and support communities in need. Through their time, skills and expertise, they will contribute to projects that promote mental wellbeing, strengthen local services and create lasting positive change for children, young people and vulnerable communities.

The price is 20 Euro per person.
(plus 2 Euro service charge by ticketing system)

SUPPORTED BY FESTIVALS MALTA

We would like to thank in a special way Festivals Malta for supporting Rock for Richmond through the Rock’N Malta fund.

FM Logo_FM_Logo-V_Black
rocknmalta logo-Black@2x-100

SUPPORTED BY LIDL MALTA

We would like to thank Lidl Malta for supporting Rock for Richmond as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment.

SPONSORS

We would like to thank all our sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

The price is 20 Euro per person.
(plus 2 Euro service charge by ticketing system)

The post Rock for Richmond 2026 appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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A Broken Arm Is Easy to Spot. Burnout and Anxiety Isn’t. https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/03/31/a-broken-arm-is-easy-to-spot-burnout-and-anxiety-isnt/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:06:19 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7643 The post A Broken Arm Is Easy to Spot. Burnout and Anxiety Isn’t. appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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If you walk into the office and see a colleague coughing, sniffling, and clearly unwell, you instinctively know something’s not right. You might even tell them, “You should probably go see a doctor.” Or if someone is on crutches struggling with the stairs, it’s obvious adjustments around the office need to be made to accommodate them while they recover. With physical health, the signs are often very visible, and mostly, we know how to respond to them naturally.

Mental health, however, isn’t always as easy to spot. The signs are often there, but many of us aren’t sure what we’re looking for or what to do when we notice something’s off. It comes down to awareness, or mental health literacy.

For organisations that want to truly support their people, learning to recognise these early signs and respond with confidence is crucial. And the good news is, this is something that can be learned through practical training, such as Richmond Foundation’s Mental Health First Aid at the Workplace.

A real-life perspective: reducing stigma and creating a culture of openness

In any workplace, people show up each day carrying more all sorts of life experiences. Some arrive energised after a good weekend or a family holiday. Others may be dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, or personal challenges.

The difficulty, as Tania Camilleri, Employee Relations Officer & PA to the Management Board at The Miller Group explains, is that while people are happy to share the positives, conversations around mental health can still feel uncomfortable at work.

“There’s often a hesitation,” she notes, “whether it’s fear of being judged or of how it might be perceived professionally.”

Recognising this, the company set out to create a more open and supportive culture through adopting a Mental Health First Aid training programme with Richmond Foundation.

“Our organisation has greatly benefited from the training,” Tania says. “It’s strengthened our culture by making conversations about wellbeing more open and supportive.” She explains that employees now feel more confident recognising signs of distress and stepping in to offer help, leading to better morale and earlier intervention.

“I strongly encourage other companies to invest in this training,” she adds. “It creates safer, healthier, and more compassionate workplaces.”

What Mental Health First Aid brings to your workplace

Mental Health First Aid offers clear, practical benefits for organisations while equipping teams with the skills to respond when it matters most.

For your organisation, the benefits include:

  • Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism linked to poor mental health
  • Improved employee retention, morale, and overall engagement
  • Stronger team dynamics and a more supportive workplace culture
  • Earlier intervention before issues escalate into more serious challenges
  • A healthier, more resilient workforce both mentally and emotionally

More than just theory, participants will gain practical tools to:

  • Recognise early signs of stress, anxiety, burnout, or depression
  • Approach colleagues with confidence, empathy, and appropriate boundaries
  • Start supportive conversations without fear of “saying the wrong thing”
  • Guide individuals towards professional help and available support services
  • Respond calmly and effectively in difficult or sensitive situations

Create a more open and supportive workplace with Richmond Foundation. We can tailor our Mental Health First Aid training to your organisation’s needs, helping your people feel confident to support one another, all the while creating a culture where no one has to struggle in silence.

The post A Broken Arm Is Easy to Spot. Burnout and Anxiety Isn’t. appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Putting the Right Support in Place When Your People Need It Most https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/03/06/putting-the-right-support-in-place-when-your-people-need-it-most/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:48:01 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7522 The post Putting the Right Support in Place When Your People Need It Most appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Stress used to be seen as a personal issue, something individuals were expected to manage quietly on their own. Thankfully, today, more and more of us are aware that work pressures, personal responsibilities, and everyday challenges can build up over time. And when that stress begins to affect how people communicate, focus, or make decisions, it no longer remains an individual concern. It can ripple across teams, influencing productivity and the overall workplace culture.

In that sense, stress becomes an organisational issue as much as a personal one. That’s why having the right support systems in place for your people matters.

It may sound like a huge responsibility, and a difficult one to navigate at that. However, through Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Talk programme, we provide companies in Malta with a simple and effective way to give employees access to completely confidential professional help, offering them a safe space to talk through challenges, better understand their stress, and develop healthier ways to manage it.

A real-life perspective: finding support when it mattered

For Daniel, who had been working at his  company for more than ten years, talking about mental health had never felt natural. “In my family, it just wasn’t something we ever spoke about,” he says. “And it definitely wasn’t something I was going to bring up at work.”

But during a difficult period in his personal life, Daniel began feeling a constant sense of stress and anxiety. “My mind was constantly split between what was happening at home and what I needed to get done at work,” he explains.

That’s when he remembered his company offered Healthy Minds Talk. “I never imagined I’d be someone who would go to counselling,” he admits. “But knowing it was confidential, free, and that I could sign up for sessions without needing to go through HR made it feel possible.”

Through a series of sessions with a professional, Daniel found a space to talk openly and reflect on what he was experiencing. “Those conversations helped me understand myself better and manage my stress in a healthier way,” he says. “It also really made me appreciate working for a company that understands people sometimes need that level of professional support and has the foresight to make it available for them whenever it’s needed.”

How Healthy Minds Talk supports both your people and your workplace

Healthy Minds Talk gives employees a safe, confidential space to talk through personal or work-related challenges before stress begins to affect their wellbeing or performance. By making professional help easily accessible, organisations can help their people manage difficulties earlier while strengthening the overall workplace environment.

Through this workplace support programme, employees can:

  • Access confidential one-to-one counselling from qualified mental health professionals
  • Speak openly about work stress, personal challenges, or emotional difficulties
  • Be matched with the professional best suited to their needs
  • Learn practical techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming thoughts
  • Receive support that is completely private and separate from management or HR
  • Gain guidance during difficult life situations, including family or legal concerns

What’s more, the wider organisation also sees important benefits from Healthy Minds Talk. That’s because:

  • When employees receive the right guidance, they are better able to concentrate on their work and maintain consistent performance.
  • Offering confidential support shows employees their organisation genuinely cares about their wellbeing, building engagement and loyalty.
  • Anonymous reporting helps HR and leadership understand patterns affecting employee wellbeing while maintaining full confidentiality.

So, if you would like to introduce Healthy Minds Talk as part of your workplace benefits, simply reach out to Richmond Foundation to discuss the options available and how the programme can be tailored to your organisation.

The post Putting the Right Support in Place When Your People Need It Most appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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How to support your team when they’re working through trauma https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/02/09/how-to-support-your-team-when-theyre-working-through-trauma/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:52:26 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7418 The post How to support your team when they’re working through trauma appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Photo by Margaret Young 

We often spend more time with our colleagues than with our own families. We work side by side for years, share deadlines and long days, yet we rarely know what people are really carrying with them. That’s because many of us keep our personal struggles private, trying to separate home life from work. But stress, grief, or trauma doesn’t stay neatly contained. It can show up as withdrawal, irritability, sudden conflict, or a noticeable change in behaviour.

This is where good management and strong HR really matter. Being able to notice when something feels “off”, and knowing how to respond, can make a real difference for both the individual and the wider team.

That’s exactly why Richmond Foundation created Healthy Minds Learn to offer practical training designed to help managers, HR professionals, and team leaders recognise mental health challenges early and offer informed, compassionate support when it’s needed most.

A real-life perspective from HR

“As an HR Manager, I’ve seen how lost teams can feel when someone is going through a crisis,” says Donald Buhagiar. “People want to help, but they don’t always know how or where to turn.”

Donald participated in Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Learn courses to better understand trauma at work, and the impact was immediate. “Research shows that around 22% of employees experience trauma in the workplace, and many are still affected long after the incident. That really resonated with what I was seeing day to day.”

Through the training, Donald learned how trauma can show up in different ways, how to respond with empathy, and how to guide teams through difficult moments. “It’s made a real difference,” he explains. “Our employees feel better supported, and I feel more confident in my role. I now have the tools to step in when someone asks for help, or even when I sense they might need it but don’t yet know how to say it.”

What you can expect from Healthy Minds Learn

Healthy Minds Learn is designed to give managers, HR teams, and leaders practical skills they can use with confidence, especially when it matters most.

Through these courses which are tailored for the workplace, participants can expect to:

  • Recognise early signs of mental health difficulties or crisis in employees
  • Understand how trauma and stress show up at work
  • Respond with empathy, confidence, and appropriate boundaries
  • Help employees using clear, practical tools and frameworks
  • Navigate difficult situations with guidance from qualified professionals
  • Strengthen team trust, psychological safety, and workplace culture
  • Feel more prepared and confident in HR or leadership roles

The result is a workplace that feels more resilient and better equipped to care for its people, without guesswork or fear of “getting it wrong.”

Get in touch with Richmond Foundation to explore how our training can be tailored to your workplace and to the real situations your people are facing every day.

The post How to support your team when they’re working through trauma appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Healthy Minds Recharge: Reset Your Body, Rebalance Your Mind https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2026/01/06/healthy-minds-recharge-reset-your-body-rebalance-your-mind/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7370 The post Healthy Minds Recharge: Reset Your Body, Rebalance Your Mind appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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We often talk about mental health as if it exists only in our heads. But anyone who’s ever felt mentally foggy after a few poor nights of sleep, irritable after skipping meals, or calmer after a walk knows this isn’t true. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, and when one is out of balance, the other usually follows.

As we look ahead to a new year, many of us carry lingering fatigue, stress, and low energy with us. Our one-day Healthy Minds Recharge wellbeing retreats were created for exactly these instances. Here’s your chance to pause, recharge, and understand how everyday lifestyle choices affect our mental wellbeing.

Learn small, realistic ways to support both body and mind, so you can face 2026 feeling more grounded and energised.

What Is Healthy Minds Recharge?

Healthy Minds Recharge is a practical, evidence-based wellbeing workshop designed by Richmond Foundation in Malta to help participants reset mentally and physically. Led by a small team of qualified professionals, the workshop offers a holistic view of wellbeing, looking at how nutrition, movement, stress, and daily habits shape our mood, focus, and resilience.

We ensure the experience is intentionally kept intimate, with small groups of 15 to 20 participants, allowing for meaningful discussion, reflection, and individual attention. Rather than a passive talk, this is an interactive day that encourages people to reconnect with themselves and leave with tools they can actually use.

How Small Daily Choices have a Big Impact on Mental Wellbeing

During a Healthy Minds Recharge retreat, participants are guided to reflect on how simple, often overlooked daily habits can quietly influence their mood, energy, and overall mental wellbeing. Here are some relatable examples must of us experience from time to time:

  • Skipping meals or eating on the go: When you miss meals or rely on quick, sugary snacks, your energy crashes, and so does your mood. That mid-afternoon irritability or brain fog isn’t just “stress”, it’s often your body asking for fuel.
  • Constant sitting and little movement: Sitting at a desk all day can leave your body tense and your mind restless. Even short walks or gentle stretching can ease physical stiffness and help calm racing thoughts.
  • Poor sleep patterns: Going to bed late, scrolling on your phone, or waking up exhausted doesn’t just affect energy, it makes emotions harder to manage. Small changes to sleep habits can significantly improve focus and emotional balance.
  • Shallow breathing during stressful moments: When stress hits, many people unconsciously hold their breath or breathe shallowly, which signals danger to the brain. Learning simple breathing techniques can quickly reduce anxiety and bring a sense of calm.
  • Being mentally “on” all the time: Constant notifications, emails, and mental to-do lists don’t give the brain a chance to rest. Over time, this can lead to overwhelm, low mood, and burnout, even if everything seems “fine” on the surface.

We focus on lifestyle medicine principles and mental health expertise to explore realistic strategies that fit into everyday life. What’s more, our focus is always on progress, not perfection, helping people understand what works for them rather than following one-size-fits-all advice.

Interactive Learning You Can Apply Right Away

Theory is all well and good, but we want you to get hands-on and engage with the advice. That’s why throughout our workshops, participants take part in guided discussions, reflective exercises, gentle movement sessions, and practical demonstrations.

Rather than being told what to do, you are encouraged to explore your own habits, identify stress triggers, and reflect on what might need adjusting. Because the learning is practical and personalised, many people find themselves using the tools they learn the very same day, whether it’s a breathing technique, a change in how you structure your day, or a new way of checking in with yourself.

Start the Year Recharged With Richmond Foundation

Healthy Minds Recharge is designed for anyone who wants to feel more balanced, focused, and energised, without unrealistic expectations or quick fixes. With limited places available, it offers a rare chance to step away from daily demands, reset your body and mind, and invest in your wellbeing in a way that truly lasts.

Each one-day retreat includes:

  • Reflective, guided workshops led by a qualified psychotherapist
  • Relaxation and gentle movement sessions facilitated by a certified yoga instructor
  • A healthy lunch, snacks, and refreshments to support energy and focus throughout the day

Whether you’re booking a retreat for your team or staff, this is your opportunity to start the year feeling grounded, refreshed, and ready for what’s ahead. Secure your retreat and recharge the right way.

Learn more about Healthy Minds Recharge

The post Healthy Minds Recharge: Reset Your Body, Rebalance Your Mind appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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Strengthen Your 2026 CSR Plan -Transform a life! https://richmondfoundation.wpx.onl/2025/11/24/strengthen-your-2026-csr-plan-transform-a-life/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:00:49 +0000 https://www.richmond.org.mt/?p=7333 The post Strengthen Your 2026 CSR Plan -Transform a life! appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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December is a season of giving and connection, and a time when many companies naturally look for meaningful ways to give back. But it’s also one of the hardest times of year for people struggling with anxiety, loneliness, financial pressure, grief, or other mental-health challenges.

Data from national helplines, including Richmond Foundation, indicates a spike in mental-health-related calls per day during the December period, showing just how many people are silently struggling.

That’s why this season is the ideal moment for your business to support a cause that truly changes lives and to set the tone for your 2026 CSR and ESG goals. Healthy Minds Care, the fundraising and CSR arm of Richmond Foundation, gives organisations a simple, impactful, and transparent way to contribute directly to improved mental health in Malta. Here’s how.

What Is Healthy Minds Care?

Healthy Minds Care is Richmond Foundation’s dedicated fundraising and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Its purpose is to make mental health support accessible to anyone in Malta who needs it, no matter their financial situation.

Through Healthy Minds Care, businesses can help to fund essential services such as residential care, therapy sessions, crisis intervention, community outreach, and emotional wellbeing programmes.

By partnering with Richmond Foundation, companies take a proactive role in strengthening Malta’s mental health landscape. And because Richmond operates with complete transparency, organisations know exactly where their contributions go and how they are making a difference.

Meaningful CSR opportunities in Malta

Today, companies are expected to contribute to society in ways that go beyond financial success. Supporting mental health through Healthy Minds Care is a powerful, authentic way to demonstrate social responsibility.

Richmond Foundation offers a variety of CSR partnership opportunities that can be tailored to each organisation’s size, goals, and culture. These partnerships not only help people in need, but they also foster stronger employer branding, employee engagement, and trust among customers and stakeholders.

Through Healthy Minds Care, your businesses can choose from:

  • Corporate sponsorships
  • Payroll giving schemes
  • Employee fundraising events
  • Direct donations toward therapy or outreach
  • Longer-term CSR collaborations

These flexible partnership models are designed to make it easy for businesses of all sizes to support your community and your company’s ESG strategic goals.

Transform a life this Christmas

This festive season, we invite you to bring hope and healing into the lives of mothers and children who face extraordinary challenges. At the heart of our “Transform a Life” campaign, we honour the strength of women who are striving to rebuild their lives — while carrying the weight of mental-health struggle and the responsibility of caring for a child. Through your generous gift, you enable these mothers to remain at their safe home at Dar Tereża, surrounded by expert support, therapy and a nurturing environment. When a mother is empowered, her child’s world changes — the laughter returns, the moments of calm replace the fears, the future begins to feel possible again. This is far more than a donation: it’s a lifeline, a reassurance that she is seen, supported and worthy of a fresh start. It’s a light in the darkness, guiding one mother, one child, one family toward dignity, recovery and resilience. So whether you give €10, €25 or €50 — or even share this message with someone else who cares — you are helping to ignite real change this Christmas. Because when we support a mother, we uplift a child; when we uplift a child, we lift a family; and when we lift a family, we strengthen our community. Join us, stand with us, and together we can transform lives.

Make mental health part of your company’s legacy

Your organisation has the chance to make a real difference through meaningful action in 2026 and beyond.

Supporting Healthy Minds Care is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to give back. Whether you support an event, or form a CSR partnership, your contribution will help someone access life-changing support.

If you would like to explore a partnership that works for your business, get in touch and let’s start that discussion.

The post Strengthen Your 2026 CSR Plan -Transform a life! appeared first on Richmond Foundation.

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