History

This philanthropic organisation was initiated in 1988 through the amalgamation of "The Friends of the Elderly, Craig Hospital" and "The Friends of Chambrai". These voluntary groups visited and helped the patients of the geriatric wards of Craig Hospital in Victoria and those of the Psychiatric hospital in Fort Chambray. Since the name of Craig Hospital was changed to The Gozo General Hospital and the psychiatric hospital had moved to Xewkija and was due to be incorporated into the general hospital complex, the names of the groups became anachronistic. It was also realized that an additional voluntary group was desirable to cater for the needs of the sick in hospital that were neither elderly nor psychiatric. Thus "The Friends of Gozo Hospital" came into being. This was the new society's original name which, however, was short-lived because it was soon realized that sick and elderly persons in their own homes also needed assistance. In addition there was, at that time, a popular misconception about the role of volunteers helping a government institution. So, the name was changed to "The Friends of the Sick and the Elderly in Gozo" and the society's mission was extended to embrace the larger community. Within a few years about 600 paid-up members were recruited, and this number has currently stabilized at about 700.

Mission

The main functions of the society are to assist the sick and the elderly in every way and to help improve and increase hospital and home facilities available for the safety, welfare, comfort and convenience of the sick and the elderly in Gozo. "The Friends" are committed to inform the public of the needs of the sick and the elderly in Gozo and foster awareness in a caring society; to encourage support of the public for the Gozo hospitals; to foster co-operation between voluntary societies and the Health Authorities; to promote education, morale and good working conditions of health-care personnel; to supplement the services provided by the State for the sick and the elderly; to provide amenities that are lacking in homes and caring institutions; to relieve distressed, lonely and needy persons by visiting, moral support, physical help and/or financial assistance.

Meetings

The attendance of members at the Annual General meeting is very important as it demonstrates their active interest, support and commitment, while it gives them the opportunity to express their views and to elect persons of their choice to the committee.

The FSEG Committee meets every second Tuesday of each month.

Cooperation with other entities

The Friends of the Sick and the Elderly in Gozo are affiliated with, and represented on, The National Council for the Elderly. Through "The Wednesday Friends" section, they are founding members of The National Mental Health Federation. They are also full members of the Gozo NGOs Association and their elected delegate on its Council currently represents  all the affiliated philanthropic NGOs.

As indicated elsewhere they are active, togeter with the Ministry for Gozo and 'Moviment Azzjoni Socjali' (M.A.S.), in the provision, monitoring, control and delivery of the Meals-on-Wheels Service in Gozo and they co-operate with other philanthropic societies, constituted bodies, homes for the elderly and the Gozo hospital. Finally their active members attend at, and contribute to, seminars and activities relevant to the care of the sick & the elderly.

FSE Gozo is also a member of The Gozo NGOs Association and several National Federations of NGOs (See Recognition)

Recognition

The Friends of the Sick and the Elderly in Gozo is recognised by The Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations and its Enrolment Number is VO/0066

It is a founder member of the National Mental Health Federation, The National Federation of NGOs of Malta, The Malta Health Network and The Gozo NGOs Association. It is the Gozo representative on the National Council for the Elderly.

As a voluntary organisation, the FSEG won the "Premju San Lawrenz - 2001". The San Lawrenz Local Council awards this prize every year to the most deserving philanthropic society in the Maltese Islands. This was only the second time in six years that this prize was won by a Gozo-based society.

It may be of interest to record that two members of the FSEG Committee have received national awards during the last few years for their personal qualities and philanthropic activities.

Committee Member Mr. Chris Galea was selected O.A.S.I. "Zghazugh tas-Sena - 2000" (Youth of the Year).

FSEG Committee Member Mrs. Antoinette Frendo was voted "Anzjana tas-Sena - 1995" (Elderly Person of the Year)