Column: PLP’s Simmons On Living Programme
[Opinion column written by Senator Lindsay Simmons]
As we get closer to by-election day, I wanted to share a bit more of not just myself, but the power of government to make positive changes to improve Bermudian lives.
Ensuring that every child has an opportunity to be raised in a loving nurturing household has long been a passion for me. That passion drove me to foster over 20 children before the opportunity arose for me to adopt my beautiful daughter Laundyn.
As President of the Foster Parents Association, our team continues to fight for Bermuda’s children but one of our greatest frustrations was the fact that once children aged out of the system there was little in place to enable them to transition into adulthood. Leaving the system at 18 for too many felt like having the training wheels abruptly kicked out from under them.
Finding a job, a place to stay, forming relationships, and becoming a productive member of society can be challenging for those blessed not to have been raised in the system. For our children it can be even more challenging.
They may not have relatives willing or able to take them into their homes.
They may not have contacts or access to networks to help find employment.
The introduction of the Independent Living Programme in 2023 marked a major step forward and provides support and hope for children coming up in the system. This programme offers the following:
- Safe secure housing
- Life skills training including money management, food management, personal appearance, health care, job maintenance, emergency and safety skills
- Guided goal setting
- Educational planning
- Peer support
- Individual counselling
The Independent Living Programme shows what can be accomplished when regular Bermudians push for a solution that is heard, embraced, and made a reality by a government committed to progressive change.
The vision we had for our children in the system has become a reality.
Anyone who knows me knows, I’m not afraid to speak my mind. Our government hasn’t gotten everything right, however I know firsthand that at the heart of our government is a team that genuinely cares about Bermudians and is doing all it can to make life better for all of us. The Independent Living Programme is a prime example of just that.
This is why I’m running to be your representative. I’m fueled by the belief that the PLP Government does work and does deliver transformative change and I hope to be your advocate for change in Constituency 10 Smith’s North.
- Senator Lindsay Simmons
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This is literally one of the BEST things the PLP administration has done for our young people who have had challenges. Before this, these young persons would age out of care and be left to solely fend for themselves. Imagine how daunting that must feel. This initiative provides a safety net, while also giving them levels of responsibility to mature towards full independence.
Kudos to this administration for taking this step and one would expect that there would be minimal opposition to this initiative.
Have to agree. Mrs. Simmons is a champion. When I was a foster child she made sure I was able to get funds to attend university. She made sure I was able to be the first person in my family to get a bachelors degree. Many people talk about helping foster children or children in need but Mrs. Simmons has always helped children. If she was in my constituency I would vote for someone who puts our children first. I would vote for you over and over again.
Bermuda is a better place because of you. I am an educated and strong black woman because you pushed for me.
This article is commendable for Senator Simmons on her personal contribution to the community. I am uncertain how the transitional living programme directly impacts Constituency 10? Also, where is Mr.King’s opinion piece on this platform? Fair is fair!
There is no mention of the issues being faced in Constituency 10 at all. What are you planning on doing to fix the multitude of issues being faced by those who reside and vote in this constituency? Robert King has identified so many problems that need to be dealt with, and that have allowed to go on for so long with no action by the PLP government. What will you do Ms Simmons?
This article is commendable in Senator Simmons personal contribution to the community. I am uncertain what the Living Programme has to do specifically with C10? Where is the opinion column from Mr.King on this platform? Fair is only fair!