"Rehabilitation provides a second chance to get it right, it reopens the doors to opportunities, it brightens a marred future, it introduces a fresh start," said Minister of Social Services and Urban Development the Hon. Frankie Campbell during the Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare Services 41st Annual Church Service marking Rehabilitation Month 2018 on Monday, November 12, at St. Matthews Anglican Church.

No matter how good a programme is or how much help is offered, unless a conscious decision is made for persons to accept it nothing will happen; no one else can make that choice not your parents, your friends, your spouse or anyone else. You alone determine your future, he said.

Held under the theme 'Rehabilitation begins and ends with me,' the overarching objective of the month is to focus on the implementation of rehabilitative programs designed to address the volume of crime and anti-social behaviour in the country.

Minister Campbell encouraged representatives of non-governmental organizations to review effective programmes wherever being offered, and then build on them for maximum effectiveness and good outcomes. "Provide educational, vocational and employment opportunities which are factors that directly impact rehabilitation, he said.  Minister Campbell is pictured addressing the service.  (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)