GUYANA Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) formally opened a Family Counselling Centre in Almond Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, last Friday.

The project was realised with assistance from Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through Canada Fund, in collaboration with University of Guyana Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).
One of the counsellors, Ms Venus Wayne said they will put emphasis on families and individuals in conflict and building good parents and children relationships.

Teenage pregnancy and such health issues are other aspects of the centre’s focus and a small fee will be charged for services, including mounting training programmes for Government ministries and non-governmental organisations, she said.

Ms France Asselin, of CIDA Gender Equality Programme, said the establishment fulfills the needed boost for human resource development and its work could foster networking between related agencies and personnel, as well.

She acknowledged the need for family strengthening and said counselling can provide the base for meaningful interaction with children and others in society.