Resources are in place to help Bermudians through the economic crisis but first they have to be willing to help themselves.

That was the message at the fifth in a series of Government-organised public meetings to reach out to the workforce last night.

Job placement, career advice, child care assistance, financial assistance and credit and mortgage advice were all on the agenda, with presentations delivered by managers from both the public and private sectors.

Most of the financial institutions represented urged people in financial straits to buck the "proud Bermudian" stereotype and come to them as soon as possible if they're struggling with debts.

Gina Hurst-Maybury, Director of Court Services, urged people to seek help for family and friends "if you suspect that they are starting to experiment with substances because they're feeling stressed and don't know where to turn."

The Government agencies are there to help, she said, not to get people into trouble if they admit they need assistance.

However, Terry Green, manager of Government's Training and Employment Services, said even those who are employed and doing well are making life hard through their involvement in gang culture.

"We've had a number of young people coming into our service who want to be employed, who want to be apprentices, and we help them out with a job and guess what?

"The employers tell us 'this guy can't go past Warwick, can't go up Somerset, can't even go up town'," said Mr. Green, in a reference to gang affiliations making parts of the Island off-limits to rivals.

"I don't know the answer, but I need your help to take care of our children. This is disturbing."

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown attended the meeting at Penno's Wharf in St. George's, taking the opportunity to promote Government initiatives such as the child day care allowance and FutureCare for seniors which have recently been rolled out.

He urged those present to stay positive, and told them that while in some parts of the world thousands are being laid off, Bermuda has seen less than 300 made unemployed. Even if things get worse, he said the public and private sectors are pulling together to help those in need.

"We're properly prepared. Where else in the world can you see this type of presentation?" he asked.

The final Taking it to the People meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday May 7, in the ACE Building in Hamilton at 6.45 p.m.