Practical planning guide

Find social connection that fits your needs

Explore patient groups, befriending and community activities at a pace and in a setting that suits you.

Practical next steps

Think about the kind of contact you want: someone with a similar condition, a shared-interest group or practical company.
Ask the Rare Diseases Alliance about relevant patient connections; do not assume there is a local group for every diagnosis.
Ask Sharing Lives about current activities and assessment if you are an adult with disability.
Before attending, check physical access, toilets, transport, communication support, duration and any personal expenses.
Ask whether you can start with a short visit or bring a person you choose.
Decide how much of your health story you want to share. You can take part without disclosing details to everyone.
For professional emotional support, ask the relevant provider about assessment and appointments; peer activities do not replace that support.

Provider: Rare & Serious Illness Support Malta
Eligibility: A preparation guide for patients and families; it does not determine diagnosis, entitlement or a medical plan.
Application: Use the questions that fit your situation and agree next steps with the relevant professional.
Documents: Keep only the information needed for your enquiry. Use secure provider channels for private documents.
Cost: Confirm any charges or funding with the provider before making arrangements.
Referral: Service-specific referral requirements apply.
Funding: No payment, place or service allocation is promised by this guide.
Contact: Use the linked canonical records for official provider contacts.
Verified: 2026-10-29
Review: 2027-01-29
Notes: Original editorial planning prompts, informed by the linked sources. These questions do not establish a new Maltese service or replace individual professional advice.