New Richmond Foundation Chairperson Claudio Farrugia is seeking to continue growing its service offering to cater for areas within the local mental health sector that are yet to be given much focus.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt of the organisation's 2023 objectives under his tenure, Mr Farrugia first remarked that taking on the new role is “no mean feat” when taking into consideration that he is taking over from Founding Chairperson Anthony Guillaumier, who he described as a “visionary” for having “conceived the concept of setting up an NGO in such a challenging sector”. Mr Guillaumier stepped down from the position last August after 29 years.

He added that Mr Guillaumier had devoted “a tremendous amount of work and personal time” to Richmond Foundation, who like the rest of the Board of Trustees, served on a voluntary basis, and hence there are “no personal benefits” to the role. “When one considers the thousands of people who interact with Richmond and find the assistance and support they require, even when their lives are in danger, it is much more rewarding,” Mr Farrugia explained.

“From very humble origins Richmond Foundation has now become a beacon within the mental health sector and a role model that many try to emulate. This didn’t come about by chance. Since its inception, Mr Guillaumier set about attracting the best talent by building a solid Board of Trustees, and also hiring CEOs and a management team who bought into his vision and made it a reality,” he said. Mr Farrugia added that the organisation “takes great pride” from its team which shares the same passion and dedication for the mission of making the lives of the individuals that seek its assistance “rewarding and regaining their self-respect and dignity worthwhile”, something he feels is “key to Richmond’s success”.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Richmond is solely focused on the wellbeing of its clients, with this being “central to any decision that is taken”.

Richmond Foundation’s work over the past few years has increased extensively, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, Mr Farrugia revealed the Foundation "handles the same amount of requests" in a month that it used to do in a whole year. 

However, Mr Farrugia also said that this success comes with a price, as the increased growth leads to “some people believing that it may be commercially exploited, and profits can be made”.

“I don’t think that generating a profit is bad, as it is what drives business owners to engage in ventures that create jobs and boost economies. However, the vulnerable people who utilise the service suffer the most when making a profit overrides all other considerations, particularly in the social sector,” he continued.

A particular issue that NGOs face are the discrepancies when it comes to claiming back VAT paid on goods and services. While commercial enterprises are able to do so, NGOs cannot, thus Mr Farrugia adds that they “are not on a level playing field when competing in the free market and bidding for contracts”.

Despite the challenges ahead, he remained optimistic, particularly if Richmond Foundation “can continue to garner supporters” for its cause. “We want to continue making investments in our colleagues since we are certain that the drive of our teams is a key factor in our success. In order to give our managers the resources they need to keep enhancing the efficiency of their teams and prevent burnout in such a demanding environment, we are always assessing how we structure our work,” Mr Farrugia said.

Mr Farrugia also confirmed that Richmond Foundation is looking at the prospect of expanding its service offering by “looking into untapped areas in the mental health sector” to not be dependent on just one type of service.

“We aim to keep developing our research function because it gives us a solid foundation for the constant service enhancements we make and increases our capacity to advocate for the industry,” he remarked. Mr Farrugia added that Dar Tereza in Cospicua is a “very fascinating project” that is set to begin in the second half of 2023, offering a new service catering for mothers and their children who need mental health care, along with housing. It will support the family unit to access the help and support they require, including housing and employment, “to be reintegrated into society as an independent family”.

Additionally, Richmond Foundation also intends to intensify its preparations for starting its upcoming major project in Mosta together with Puttinu Cares that enables it to expand its services further to keep up with the demand, as “services for young people in the community are the main priority”. The project will allow the foundation to offer its services to youths aged between 14 and 24, while Puttinu Cares will be able to offer a more holistic service to persons receiving assistance by Puttinu before, during, and after treatments.

“Undoubtedly, we face a myriad of challenges, but I am greatly encouraged by the fact that we are supported by a strong Board of Trustees, with each member being a true specialist in their field, and that our teams will be tackling the daily obstacles with the zeal and determination that Richmond Foundation is renowned for,” he concluded.

Mr Farrugia describes himself as a “dynamic executive” with extensive experience in “designing and implementing strategic change in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors”. Apart from his role at Richmond Foundation, he is also CEO at The Archbishop’s Seminary, being responsible for its operations, finances, human resources, administration, and strategic direction.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategy and Finance from Henley Business School and is reading for a Master of Arts in Social Catholic Teaching in Theology and Theological Studies from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, among other qualifications.

Richmond Foundation was set up in 1993 after Mr Guillaumier had noticed a lack of community support given towards individuals with mental health problems. Since then, the foundation has continued to offer its services to “hundreds of people with mental health problems and their loved ones” every year. The foundation’s services include support groups, assisted living and psychological support services, among others.