Government is 'Taking it to the People' with a series of town hall meetings to assist residents facing economic hardship.

Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Minister David Burch will tell those present that "Government and the private sector are unified and committed in helping those residents who are facing hardship during these tough economic times".

Host Senator Burch will be joined by civil servants and representatives from private sector organisations to ensure "residents have the best possible information in order to deal with the current economic downturn".

According to a Government spokeswoman, topics of discussion will include job placement and training, career advice, childcare, financial assistance, and credit and mortgage advice.

She said: "Government is also encouraging members of the public to bring their résumés as there will be opportunities for individuals to receive the latest workforce information".

Senator Burch said yesterday: "We are living in some very serious and very challenging times. Not a day goes by when we don't turn on the news or read an article about how the economic downturn is having an effect on people's daily lives.

"And so we have stepped up our efforts and are stepping outside of the Ministry to get our message to the people directly. Taking it to the People is designed to assist those workers in our community to better prepare for the impact of the worldwide economic downturn.

"And these information sessions are important in order to make people better aware of the services Government provides."

The public is also urged to tune in to VSB Channel 11 at 8 p.m. and Bermuda Broadcasting Channel 9 at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, when Premier Ewart Brown and Senator Burch will discuss the economic climate and what is being done to assist Bermudians.

The town hall meetings will be hosted on the following dates:

Tuesday, April 21 St. James Church Hall

Thursday, April 23 Heritage Worship Centre, Hamilton

Tuesday, April 28 Francis Patton Primary School

Thursday, April 30 T.N. Tatem Middle School Auditorium

Tuesday, May 5 Penno's Wharf Cruise Terminal

For more information call 294 2779.