Up to a hundred people sought advice and assistance at a forum to assist residents facing economic hardship.

The meeting, last Tuesday, was the first in a series by Government aimed at 'Taking it to the People'.

Pandora Glasford, executive officer of the National Training Board, explained: "There are people out there feeling the effects of the economic change but they are afraid. Bermudians are generally proud people and don't like asking for a hand-out.

"This isn't a hand-out but it is advising people on where they can go to get assistance for whatever their need is, whether that is childcare or difficulties in paying the rent, or something else.

"The (Labour) Minister (David Burch) felt he wanted to take the message out to the people as opposed to them being afraid to come to us to ask for help."

Mrs. Glasford said: "There are all these Government agencies out there, so please don't be afraid to come and talk to us."

Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Minister David Burch launched the first town hall meeting at St. James Church in Somerset, joined by civil servants and representatives from the Association of Bermuda Insurance and Reinsurance (ABR).

Senator Burch said: "It went extremely well this evening. We had very few questions from the floor but as soon as we stopped the questions session, they went straight to the tables.

"So it is clear they came for individual advice and counselling. I am quite pleased that the evening seems to have been so successful."

Among the representatives giving advice to those troubled by the current economic downturn were staff from: Child and Family Services; Court Services; Financial Assistance; the Bermuda Housing Corporation; and the Department of Labour and Training.

ABR representatives also offered advice on scholarships in the industry. And from this week, staff from the Bank of Bermuda, Butterfield Bank and Capital G will be on hand to provide financial advice on credit and mortgage matters.

The town hall meetings will take place at 6.45 p.m. on the following dates:

Tomorrow: Francis Patton Primary School

Thursday, April 30: T.N. Tatem Middle School Auditorium

Tuesday, May 5: Penno's Wharf Cruise Terminal

n For more information on the events call 294 2779.