Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545696
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 3 JULY 2026 NEWS ARAM launches CARE Project to empower people living with arthritis The Arthritis and Rheuma- tism Association Malta (AR- AM) VO425 has officially launched its new project CARE – Community Arthri- tis Resilience & Empowerment, made possible through funding awarded by the Malta Coun- cil for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) under the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme. Running from May 2026 to February 2027, the CARE pro- ject will strengthen support for individuals living with arthritis and other rheumatic and mus- culoskeletal diseases (RMDs) across Malta. Arthritis is often described as a hidden disability, where pain, fatigue, and physical lim- itations are not always visible, leading to misunderstanding, stigma, and social isolation. Through CARE, ARAM aims to address these challenges by promoting greater awareness, resilience, and inclusion within the community. The project will deliver a structured programme com- bining education, peer sup- port, and volunteering, equip- ping participants with practical tools to better manage their condition while fostering stronger social connections. A central outcome of the in- itiative will be the develop- ment of a new digital ARAM Platform, designed as a hub for learning, communication, and engagement. The platform will provide access to training resources, volunteer opportu- nities, community interaction tools, and awareness content aimed at both members and the wider public.) "This project/publication re- flects the views only of the au- thor, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the con- tent or any use which may be made of the information con- tained therein". CARE will also focus on ex- panding and strengthening ARAM's volunteer network, in- cluding the active involvement of young people and newly di- agnosed individuals. Trained volunteers will play a key role as community ambassadors, supporting outreach, aware- ness campaigns, and peer-led initiatives. By combining digital inno- vation with community-based support, the project will en- hance ARAM's capacity to serve its members while pro- moting health literacy, ac- tive citizenship, and social in- clusion. The initiative aligns closely with national priorities related to health, wellbeing, and volunteering. The project will be formally introduced through a dedicat- ed launch event, followed by a series of workshops, outreach activities, and awareness cam- paigns throughout the year. Shadow Gozo minister raises drugs, transport and infrastructure concerns PN shadow minister for Gozo Frank Anthony Tabone has raised a series of con- cerns affecting Gozo during a parliamentary intervention, warning that a number of long-standing issues remain unaddressed despite govern- ment commitments. He said the fight against drugs remains a serious chal- lenge, urging government to increase resources for Malta's drug enforcement squad and to establish a dedicated an- ti-drugs unit in Gozo. He also called for full trans- parency over the tender for a fourth vessel and the cost of leasing the Nikolaus fer- ry since 2019, noting that government had previously pledged to procure a new ves- sel instead of continuing to rely on leased craft. Tabone also criticised the state of infrastructure plan- ning, particularly the con- dition and maintenance of arterial roads, warning that multi-million-euro projects were being allowed to deteri- orate due to lack of upkeep. He said there was the need for a modern fast ferry termi- nal, arguing that passengers are currently left exposed to the elements due to inade- quate facilities. Futhermore, he appealed for urgent action to safeguard Ta' Kenuna Tower, describing it as a cultural heritage site at risk without immediate inter- vention. He thanked the Nadur Local Council, organisations and activists in Gozo for contin- uing to push for the preser- vation of the landmark and maintaining pressure for its protection. Last Friday, Tabone was an- nounced as part of PN leader Alex Borg's shadow cabinet, following the unveiling of a new Opposition team earlier this week. PN shadow Gozo minister Frank Anthony Tabone has urged government action on drugs enforcement, transport, infrastructure and heritage concerns in Gozo LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt PN Shadow Gozo minister Frank Anthony Tabone