Whilst the Association endeavours to alert members to situations which may affect them, it can in no way offer definitive professional advice or recommend the services of any particular professional company. Members are advised to continually ensure that their own knowledge of all issues which may affect them is kept up to date. The Association is not able to provide financial assistance to members under any circumstances.

One of the basic foundations of the Association is the concept of friendship and a sense of community. Having a friendly neighbour and a good circle of friends provides most members with the level of security and support they need and there are now in the Maltese Islands well established home support/residential support organisations. However, in emergencies, each Group has a team of dedicated “Welfare Officers” who may be able to volunteer additional assistance when members are sick, living alone or in care accommodation, or when a death occurs. This assistance may take a variety of forms of support but does not include acting as home helps, substitute nurses or providing general free transport. Equipment - walking sticks, crutches, Zimmer frames, wheelchairs and other post-operative aids - may be borrowed, for a limited period, from stocks held by each Group. This borrowing service is funded by voluntary contribution from members using the facility.

The Welfare Officers are supported by a Welfare Coordinator, who is a member of the BRA Council. The Coordinator also liaises with Government Departments and organisations in Malta and the UK to ensure members are kept up to date with matters that may affect them and services and facilities that are available in the Maltese islands.

Are you thinking of going to live outside the UK? Then click onto the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website - www.fco.gov.uk - where you will find their leaflet on Moving Overseas, which in turn links to things you need to know and do.