The Ministry of Health is offering the community both an electronic and printed version of the new Directory of Helping Services.

This is the first time a searchable, online version of the directory has been available.

It can be found at www.helpingservices.bm.

The Health Promotion Office of the Department of Health produces the printed directory, which lists non-profit organisations, registered charities, and Government agencies in Bermuda that offer support services to families and children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The online directory will provide an expanded version of the print directory and will include private businesses that assist families and children, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The electronic directory can be searched in three ways:

• search by a key term — enter a word or phrase that is of interest to you and press enter to produce a list of organisations related to your search;

• filter by population and/or category — the filters will apply immediately and show you the list on the right side of the screen;

• browse the directory — scroll through the alphabetical listing of featured organisations.

The online directory is part of the Ministry of Health’s Long-term Care Action Plan, which committed to increasing community and professional’s knowledge of available resources to assist persons with long term care needs. This resource will make it easier to find the help needed by seniors, persons with disabilities and families.

Minister of Health Kim Wilson said: “I hope the public will find the directory helpful in identifying appropriate services and support programmes. The searchable database should make it easy and convenient to find multiple organisations that can offer the support needed.”

Previous recipients of the printed directory will receive those in the mail in the next week or they are available for collection at the Ministry of Health, Ground Floor, Continental House, corner of Church Street and Cedar Avenue.

To be included in the online directory or to update information, use the online submission form which is available here: http://helpingservices.bm/submissions/ or contact the Health Promotion Office on 278-4900