Charities have appealed to the Government to help them carry out their operations.

Tinee Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, said: “As we embrace a new year filled with opportunity, the Government is committed to working more cohesively with Bermuda's third sector in coordinating efforts to assist those in need.

"Bermuda's third sector representatives expressed their desire for governmental assistance in addressing the operational requirements of cross sector coordination.“

Ms Furbert was speaking after a virtual meeting with charities.

She said: “They are seeking help in the facilitation of client intake screening and assessment, data collection, and the creation of a non-profit organisation directory to ensure the precise delivery of services."

Ms Furbert added she planned to continue discussions on the “seamless coordination of referral processes and pathways” to services provided by the Government and the charitable sector.

She said: "By utilising a collaborative method, this will ensure better accountability in delivering resources most effectively.

“We intend to implement models of organisational practice to measure the success of organisations in Bermuda's third sector who benefit from government grants to assist with hardships.”

Ms Furbert added: "On behalf of the Government, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to Bermuda's third sector for the human and helping services provided to the community.

“As Bermuda continues to persevere through a global pandemic, I trust that this collaboration will strengthen resilience in the community.

“As this collaboration develops, I look forward to keeping Bermuda informed."

The virtual meeting included Vivien Carter, the programme officer for the Centennial Bermuda Foundation, Myra Virgil, the chief executive and managing director of the Bermuda Community Foundation and Claudette Fleming, the executive director of Age Concern and a member of the advisory committee of the Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda.