On Duty Today............ George Cubbon, Andrew Doughty

On Duty Nov. 30........ George Dove. Gary Edwards

Attendance Nov. 9...... 24 of 38  ( 63.16%)

Birthdays......................... Cindy Hardart—Nov 22; Gina Maybury—Nov 25

President Sinclair thanked the members who were hosts for Home Hospitality Night.  A note of thanks was also received from District Governor Janet.  A special thank you to Charles Jeffers for hosting at the last minute.  President Sinclair also asked that flowers be sent to the spouses who assisted with Home Hospitality.

PP Bob Flath was welcomed back after his recent illness and is doing well.

Reminder of the Auction—Menu is the same as last year.  Every is asked to bring a guest and two gifts.  George Cubbon will be calling to find out what your gifts are and how many guests you are bringing.

Harry Powell submitted a request from Northland Middle School for a grant to buy books for the Library.  This request will be submitted to Rotary International.  A suggestion was made that a Rotary Book Sale could be a way to raise fund for the Northlands Library.  It was also suggested that depending on the proceeds, the Northlands Library could be added as a beneficiary from the Annual Auction.

Our speaker was Ms. Bridget Robaine who is involved with the People Employing People (P.E.P.) Programme at St. Brendan.  P.E.P. is part of the Community Mental Health Programme.  , which aims to establish a job bank of employers willing to take on people with mental disabilities..  The programme came about because of the initiatives of the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation.

The aims of the Community Health Programme and specifically P.E.P. are to:

·         Promote independence amongst people with mental disabilities.

·         Promote client confidence, motivation and integration into the community.

·         Reduce the incidence of clients returning to the hospital

·         To help clients find permanent employment in the private sector.

There are several perceptions and misconceptions to be overcome:

·         People with disabilities have no marketable skills

·         People with disabilities can’t do the job.

·         People with mental disabilities don’t work as hard as “normal” people do.

·         People with disabilities are problem employees.

·         People with disabilities are a liability.

In reality however:

·         The Clients in the P.E.P. programme cover a range of employment, educational and skill levels.

·         Clients are keen and motivated and are trained to specific qualifications to meet employers need.

·         Clients are not placed in positions where they can’t do the job.

·         Before placement a client goes through Vocational Rehab, a period of assessment and training so they reach a level where they can move forward and get a job.

·         Clients are committed to work; they are loyal and enthusiastic.

·         The job enhances the client’s moral and self-confidence and increases the organization’s ability to deal with people who have mental disabilities.

·         Employing people with disabilities improve the company’s public image.

The benefits to businesses are:

They have access to a broader pool of people for labour.

There is a 90 day risk free trial period, if the client does not work out they can be replaced.

There are support services provided for the employers as well as the employees

It promotes diversity.

The P.E.P. programme has been in existence for over 5 years and 32 clients have progressed through the programme.

David Comrey thanked Ms Robaine for her very informative talk.