Whitney Institute's drugs committee has decided to link arms with a counselling firm.

Benedict Associates is an organisation which provides confidential counselling for staff and management at a number of Bermuda businesses.

Deputy chairman of the Whitney Institute Trust Mr. William S. Zuill said the committee, made up of Whitney trustees, the Whitney Institute School Association and the Whitney teachers, came to the conclusion that the school would benefit from the link.

"The Trustees considered the plan and decided that this positive scheme could only be beneficial, and therefore backed the plan and contracted with the organisation to provide counselling to students, parents and staff when needed,'' Mr. Zuill said.

He added that it was felt that this was an appropriate use for the Whitney Educational Trust's own funds, and "therefore this assistance is being given without expense to the taxpayer.

"The school has also been helped by a Smith's Parish organisation, and hopes that others may follow this example.

"The scheme was outlined to parents at a school meeting. Under it (the scheme) children or parents or staff may seek help from Benedict Associates, or the principal, Mrs. Gail Graham, can refer children directly.' Mr. Zuill said that the counselling involves contact with parents, but as long as the student attended counselling sessions, the sessions themselves would remain utterly confidential.

"The results in student behaviour reveal the value of the sessions.'' The Benedict Associates scheme supplements the Department's Student Services in that it comes into play at an earlier stage, and is easily available to those who want it.

In addition to meetings, all students and parents have received a circular telling them how to reach Benedict Associates and be helped by the Student Assistance Programme.