Sir John Swan praised the hard work and dedication of the Family Centre and founder Martha Dismont as the organisation marked its 25th anniversary.

Speaking at an anniversary lunch, the former Premier said that in order to deliver a message an organisation must speak from the heart, and that Ms Dismont does just that.

“They asked me to come to this room today and talk about leadership,” he said. “When I look around here at this room here today, that’s what I see. You are leaders.

“Every now and then a crusader comes along and they speak from the heart and they move us and they call us to be stronger than we might otherwise be. They let us follow our own dreams and our own passions but in our own way.

“Martha, you started something. You lit a candle and made sure that you surrounded it with people to make sure it would never go out.”

Sir John recalled a chance conversation he had with Mother Teresa while attending a speech by Nelson Mandela, saying he was told that when you speak to a person from the heart, you speak to their soul.

“Leadership is about the heart,” Sir John continued. “Leadership is about how you feel, about how others feel, and how we can help others feel. When we do that, it will be a more caring and sharing world.

“The economic condition will get worse before it gets better but I believe we can help the people in office by being vigilant, by encouraging them to do the right thing for the right reasons. They are a part of our family.”

The Family Centre was first launched in 1990 as the Learning Centre, dedicated to helping children who were at risk of falling through the gaps. Since then, it has since evolved to provide clinical services for individuals and families throughout the Island.

Ms Dismont herself thanked attendees for their constant support over the years, noting some of the many people who have worked to make the organisation grow and thrive.