Social Development Ministry continues collaborative efforts to take social services to communities

TRINIDAD:  April 28, 2016: The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, in its continued efforts to take social services to the vulnerable and destitute in our society, collaborated with two groups on Saturday April 23, 2016 for outreach interventions at the community level. One event took place in north Trinidad as the Petit Valley Community Council hosted a Community Expo, Wellness and Family Day at the Valley Harps Pan Yard, in Petit Valley.

 
Residents of Petit Valley and environs were provided with information on how to access a wide range of services, namely healthcare services, social services-including grants and counselling; agricultural advice and job recruitment. Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central, the Honourable Darryl Smith, in his welcoming remarks said that “In times of a recession, efforts to improve family life and community life should increase and more focus should be placed on sporting and recreational activities for an overall balance.”
 
The other event – “A Community Knowledge and Health Fair”, was hosted by South AIDS Support Group, in collaboration with Trinity Power Limited, took place at the Dow Village Government School in Couva.  The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ HIV Coordinating Unit took the forefront as information brochures, advice and counselling on HIV/AIDS were provided to participants to sensitize them and increase overall awareness of new developments related to the virus. Information on how to access the other social services provided by the Ministry was also provided.
 
Residents of Dow Village, California, Couva and environs expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to access financial advice and money management tips, as well as eye and dental screening, blood pressure and blood glucose testing and PAP Smears, which were available from the Ministry of Health’s Mobile Unit. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services was pleased to be part of both initiatives and looks forward to participating in similar outreach activities to take social services to our communities.