The Karl Vella Foundation (KVF) hosted its second annual conference, Nurturing Hope in Times of Pain, at The Xara Lodge in Rabat.

The interdisciplinary conference brought together professionals and practitioners from the psychosocial and healthcare fields to explore trauma, resilience and hope-centred practice through expert insights, lived experience and practical approaches.

Understanding Pain and Reframing Hope

The conference examined pain and hope from a number of different professional perspectives, beginning with Ms Sarah Zammit, who addressed Understanding Pain: Naming What Hurts, followed by Ms Joyce Sciberras, whose presentation focused on Reframing Hope.

Rather than treating hope simply as the absence of pain, the conference created space to consider how people experience, understand and respond to pain, and how hope can continue to be nurtured within difficult circumstances.

Relationships, Children and the Impact of Illness and Loss

Ms Rebecca Cassar Allen explored Relationships that Heal, while Mr Joseph Pellicano focused specifically on Supporting Children and Young People Through Pain.

The impact of illness and loss on education was also addressed by Dr Tania Muscat and Dr Jonathan Borg, who examined how difficult experiences can affect learning and the importance of recognising the wider educational needs of children and young people.

These discussions reflected KVF’s wider work with children, young people and families dealing with illness or loss, where emotional, relational and educational needs are often closely interconnected.

Meaning, Inner Strength and Creative Pathways to Hope

The conference also explored the different ways in which individuals may find meaning and sustain hope through painful experiences.

Fr Michael Bellizzi presented on Meaning, Purpose & Inner Strength, while Mr Sam Fenech explored Creative Pathways to Hope, broadening the discussion beyond conventional therapeutic responses and considering different ways in which hope may be experienced and expressed.

Hope in Practice

A central part of the afternoon programme was the multidisciplinary panel discussion, Hope in Practice: Translating Ideas into Action.

The panel brought together representatives from six different entities and professional backgrounds to consider how the ideas explored throughout the conference can be translated into real-world practice.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on moving beyond theory and considering how professionals and organisations can respond to pain in ways that are practical, compassionate and grounded in the needs of the people they support.

Continuing the Conversation

Nurturing Hope in Times of Pain formed part of KVF’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for professional learning, dialogue and collaboration around the psychological and social impact of illness and loss.

The conference also reflected the Foundation’s broader mission: to provide psychotherapeutic support to families dealing with illness or loss, while continuing to strengthen awareness, professional exchange and support within the wider community.

KVF extends its thanks to all speakers, panellists, participants, sponsors and supporters who contributed to the conference and helped make the event possible.

About Karl Vella Foundation

The Karl Vella Foundation (KVF) was established in 2014 and provides psychotherapeutic support to families dealing with illness or loss.

Through its therapeutic, educational and family-support services, KVF works with children, young people and families experiencing the impact of illness, treatment, bereavement and loss.