recession.

Community and Cultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons was joined by Bermuda Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president Miss Carolyn Mello at a news conference on Thursday to announce four measures aimed at softening tough times.

Along with the Bermuda Employers' Council, the ministry and the chamber are sponsoring free lunch-time workshops about eating well for less money, building a business plan, personal money management, and finding a job.

Information packages about services available to those in need will be made available at banks, unions, Government offices, and churches. The same package will be mailed to those registered as unemployed or in need of assistance, Mr.

Gibbons and Miss Mello announced.

Thirdly, the Consumer Affairs Bureau will conduct a Living Well on Less campaign. Information on how to compile a money-saving shopping list, recipes and a menu planner will be included. Supermarkets will be asked to advertise "specials'' which include items on the list, and money-saving tips will be advertised on radio.

Finally, talks are under way with supermarkets to set up a food collection programme. Hampers are to be made available where non-perishable items can be deposited for distribution to the needy.

The programmes represent a continuation and expansion of similar measures announced last year, and will cost Government less than $3,000, Mr. Gibbons said.

There was no telling how long the recession would last, but "we certainly will make this available as long as it's required,'' he said.

Government is "very short on manpower and budget,'' and working with organisations like the Chamber "gives us the manpower and expertise that we don't necessarily have within the ministry''.

Miss Mello said this year the programmes were intended to help not only individuals, but small businesses, because "they're being hit by the recession like anybody else''.

The chamber has worked with Government in other ways to fight the recession, by providing volunteers for the Ministry of Labour's employment registration blitz and by distributing information, she said.

The free lunch-time workshops are to be held at the Anglican Cathedral Hall.

Plan to Eat Well and Save Money is set for February 9, March 16, and April 20.

Personal Money Management is on February 17, March 17, and April 14. Keys to Job Success is offered on February 18, March 18, and April 21, and Building a Business Plan on February 11, March 11, and April 7.