PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA launched the second phase of its food voucher programme, which offered residents most in need with financial assistance for basic necessities in the form of food vouchers, in April.
The second phase of the programme, which ends on June 5, is being conducted via a community-based approach and assesses residents’ general needs. The emphasis of the entire programme is on the assessment and ultimate granting of tangible as well as intangible support, psycho-social and social support for those who are in need of such, offering more than food vouchers, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday.
“Over 1,600 persons have already registered for the programme, which offers a combination of financial assistance, counselling and social support. This community-based approach of the programme will enable the Ministry to have a better scope of the needs of our community and match those with the services Government can provide.
“Intervention strategies and programmes can be drafted to assist those affected by the 2017 hurricanes and facilitate a path to move forward, empowered and complete. The concept of a community-based approach shows the willingness of the Ministry to take these social services to the people within their communities by using a low-threshold approach, with the aim for a more inclusive outcome,” said VSA Minister Emil Lee on Friday.
The programme started in five locations within the community: the three Community Help Desks in Cole Bay, St. Peters and Dutch Quarter and two additional temporary desks at John Larmonie Centre and Simpson Bay Community Centre.
The temporary desks were created to accommodate a larger number of persons within the launch period. Persons interested in support, a food voucher, counselling and/or social assistance can visit the Community Help Desks during opening hours for registration. The Community Help Desks are open for registration from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 2:00-5:00pm.
The registration process is digital and includes a tracking system that will facilitate a speedy and efficient distribution of services. The digital registration process enables on-the-spot registration for persons with special disabilities or needs, as the Community Officers and the District Workers are also conducting registration services for these persons at the individuals’ homes.
Qualifying persons will receive a follow-up call for their voucher pick-up instructions and appointments for counselling or social support services. Counselling sessions are currently ongoing and persons receive an individual care plan.
“The Ministry has made registration requirements available in the various communities. Community Officers and the District Workers are also conducting fieldwork, going door-to-door to register persons. I would like to thank those persons who have registered for their good cooperation and patience with the teams that allowed for a smooth processing for all.
“I’m very proud of the team as we continue to find efficient ways to support our residents and ensure that those in need can have access to available government services,” added Lee.
