Hygeia: A Conference on Mental Wellness

Programme

Hygeia: A Conference on Mental Wellness

Xara Lodge, Rabat

10-10-2023

Registration

08:00

Welcome & Introduction

08:30

• Colin Fitz, Event Leader

• mark azzopardi, founder at working town

Opening Discussion

08:40

"Mental Wellness is a Human Right"

The World Federation for Mental Health has set 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right' as the theme for World Mental Health Day 2023. In this spirit, our event is being held on World Mental Health Day and will kick off with a discussion on this chosen theme. Why do we seem to be surrounded by more and more wellness issues? Were the problems always there, but our awareness of them has just increased? ...Or is it something deeper? What tools do we have to look after our mental health? What impact do nutrition and physical activity have, if any...?

pANel leader: prof paulann grech, associate professor at the faculty of health sciences, Universty of malta

panelists:

• Daniela Calleja Bitar, acting CEO at The Richmond Foundation

• Domenic Degiorgio, Specialist Strength & Conditioning and Personal Trainer

• raCHAEL HOLLWEY, FOUNDER AT WALK & TALK

• Mariella Porter, REGISTERED Nutritionist

Keynote Address

09:25

"How emotions and external influences can be mitigated in decision making"

How can we deal with the stress and the constant worry about doing the right thing when we are faced with stressful decisions? Dealing with the whirlwind of emotions before, during, and after pivotal moments is well... stressful. Martin will share the decision-making models that can be used for the best possible outcomes in difficult sitautions, including mental health emergencies that can arise at the workplace.

Martin Richards, Crisis Management Professional and former Chief Superintendent at the UK Metropolitan Police

Discussion

10:05

"Leadership Overwhelm – how it impacts leaders, and how leaders impact managers"

They say it's lonely at the top. How do leaders deal with the pressures of leading and who, if anyone, has their back when they feel overwhelmed? At the same time, how aware are they of how their actions influence those who report to them? And how do the organisations they lead assess risks associated with mental health?

Panel Leader: Dr Andrew Zammit, Managing Partner at GVZH Advocates

Panelists:

• JuliAnne Grima, CEO at TBWA and Executive Chairperson at Victim Suport Malta

• Josh O’Cock, CEO at Growth Gurus

• Charlotte Sant Portanier, CEO at Healthmark

• jon mallia , podcaster & producer

10:50

Coffee Break

Workshop

11:15

"Draft a mental wellness policy for your company"

If you are asking yourself where to start if you want to address the issue of mental wellness at your company, then drafting a mental wellness policy is probably a good place to do so. well, you can get started here...

Led by Dr Ann Bugeja, Senior ASSOCIATE at GVZH Advocates

Discussion

12:00

"Sandwiched! What can be done at work to promote mental wellness at different levels?"

Nowadays we all seem to be under stress all the time. it has become 'normal', or we accept it as being normal. In some cases it is even unacceptable not to be stressed out! Also, stress can be experienced in different ways depending on your role within an organisation. How should we be dealing with all of this?

Panel Leader: JULIAN AZZOPARDI, CEO AT UP YOUR LEVEL

Panelists:

• SIMONE BORG, PRESIDENT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION MALTA

• JOSEF GAFA', DIRECTOR AT JUGS MALTA

• ERICA MICALLEF FILLETTI, CRIMINOLOGIST AT THE RISe FOUNDATION

• RISe REINTEGRATION & REHABILITATION RESIDENT TO BE INTRODUCED ON THE DAY

• MARY CASSAR TOREGGIANI, FUNDRAISING MANAGER AT THE MSPCA

12:45

Lunch Break

14:05

Post-lunch re-group & Energiser powered by Enemed

Workshop

14:10
"The 8 Levels of Wellbeing"

This workshop, supported by Garnish, will delve into essential life domains by fostering a deeper understanding of our own wellbeing in each dimension

led by Daphne Grech Cumbo, Wellness Coach at Up Your Level

Interview

14:55

"Mind Over Chatter"

David will reproduce the successful format of his and Andrew Hogg's 'Mind over Chatter' podcasts (click here to see the first season) by interviewing Lara and Bryn, giving us a chance to listen to his and their stories and see how they can inspire the rest of us to overcome trauma and seek the help we need to do so.

David ‘Oz’ Borg interviews Lara Buttigieg and Bryn Kennard

15:40

Coffee Break

Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisation Fair &

Public Discussion on Mental Wellness

15:55

"Barriers to Mental Wellness"

What is holding us back when it comes to focussing on our mental health? What options do we have to seek help, and why is it something we cannot always handle alone?

edward curmi, clinical psychologist

16:10

"Why don't we talk about mental health at work and at home?"

What will it take to break the stigma associated with mental health and bring it one an equal footing, perception-wise, with other physical health issues both when it comes to the workplace and at home?