Providing seamless, integrated social services for citizens’ diverse needs.
This is the aim of the Couva Social Services Centre, which officially opened its doors at Camden Road on Friday.
Acting Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Elizabeth Villaruel, said the Centre will provide various services under one roof for citizens residing in Couva and its environs.
“This Centre will serve as a beacon of hope, guidance, and empowerment for many in this region where accessibility, integration, and community collaboration take centre stage.”
According to Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox, the realisation of this vision will transform how business is conducted following the Social Services Empowerment model, which provides an integrated social services delivery system.
The Minister stressed that no one will be left behind.
“A visit to this office means you can access the Grants and services offered by the following key Divisions: the Social Welfare Division, the National Family Services Division, the National Social Development Programme, and, of course, we’ll also have staff from our Citizen Engagement and Outreach Unit stationed here as well. These services under one roof is not simply an infrastructural move, but it is the end to us operating in silos and the beginning of collaboration that offers timely, efficient, and effective social service delivery to our clients.”
Minister Cox also announced another Social Services Centre in Arima will be opened soon.