The effort to strengthen the family structure and save children got a shot in the arm last week with the launch of the Family Learning Centre's (FLC) new public awareness campaign.

Beginning today, a print and broadcast advertising campaign will raise the profile of FLC in the community.

In the coming months, FLC intends to expand to serve more local families that are in crisis and seek accreditation by upping standards and accountability.

Executive director Martha Dismont called the campaign a "ground breaking and unique'' approach to fighting despair about family situations.

"It's important for people to realise that we are upping the ante quite a bit,'' she said. "It's time, as we say in Bermuda, for us all to come to the wicket, but we must come with strength in partnership.

"Because the very fibre of this community,'' Mrs. Dismont continued, "its families and children, who struggle with issues of no income, drug abuse, alcoholism, sexual abuse, social and emotional difficulties, are at great risk of complete failure as a result of inadequate services or unclear access to services.'' She added: "In order to save an entire generation from losing hope, a change needs to occur.

"Families must be able to have a clear path to the service that will meet their needs and we must all get involved.'' Since its founding in 1990 as a tutorial programme and the production in recent years of a strategic review, the FLC has grown by leaps and bounds.

But the new campaign emphasises the FLC's unique combination of clinical and therapeutic services, which Mrs. Dismont said provide "wrap around'' service for clients.

There will be more coordination with separate organisations that provide services the FLC cannot provide.

Mrs. Dismont explained that in order for the FLC to be successful, stronger relationships with other agencies, including Government, were necessary.

The campaign will also encourage more volunteerism and invite more people to refer troubled people to seek help.

Mrs. Dismont added: "Your investment goes a long way at FLC because we are not only focussed on providing quality services to our clients, but we are also focussed on helping in the development of a healthier community.

"Last year we worked with over 200 individuals struggling with social, emotional and behavioural issues. This year we expect to increase that number significantly.'' She added: "And we anticipate doing that in partnership with this community -- agencies, volunteers and the media. Our very health as a community depends upon it.'' Mrs. Dismont concluded: "We are committed to encouraging greater involvement from the community -- a new spirit of involvement.

"We believe this campaign represents the first attempt by a not-for-profit organisation to generate a new sense of responsibility within the community and to see a genuine commitment from us all to strengthen the community.''