Over the last couple of years Fondazzjoni Sebh has been working on solidifying the aftercare services for those children who are leaving residential care. This was given focus with the aim of reducing the vulnerabilities of these youth when entering the community, increasing opportunities available to them and to strengthen their chances of having a stable transition to independent living. This service ensures that youth leaving care are supported before, during and after their transition to the community so their futures are protected as much as possible, beyond the age of 18.

For the aftercare team to support these youth when they are still in residential care, a space has been developed which is a replica of a small apartment within Sebh’s homes. This is a separate space from the group home and is made up of a kitchen space, dining room, living room, bathroom, two single bedrooms and laundry space. This will be used as an ‘independent training space’, where sessions will be conducted between the mentor and youth. Such sessions may include preparing meals, washing clothes, keeping spaces clean, planning shopping, spending short times alone, sleeping overnight alone etc. These will allow space for planning, action and reflection, so that tasks are learned, gradual adaption to transition introduced and feelings explored and contained.

‘Independent training space’ for the Aftercare services

Fondazzjoni Sebh is very happy to announce that this space has now been completed and is ready to use. Thanks to Agenzija Zghazagh, by means of the A4U fund, the flat could be equipped with a new kitchen that the youth will be using on their road to acquire new skills and personal growth. This modern kitchen has all basic amenities, replicating a kitchen that one might find when renting an apartment, in order for the youth to be able to visualise, practice and learn in a space that is safe, and contained and allows for learning through mistakes. Thank you Agenzija Zghazagh for helping us to press start on the use of this space! In line with the National Youth Policy 2021-30, this project is in line with the strategic goal of ‘Facilitating young people’s transition to adulthood’ and by means of this project, we were able to finalise the aftercare training flatlet where these youth who have voiced their interest in this journey can start to make use of the tailored space.

This is an important milestone for youth leaving care as they very often lack opportunities and become vulnerable in the community. The aftercare services, this preparation space together with the support of a professional mentor, aims at impacting the lives of these youth by enhancing life skills and confidence that reduce anxieties and fears of the unknown. Most importantly it gives these youth the chance they truly deserve by securing a more stable future.