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C-BERSS EX-PRESS
December 1998
Issue 5, Vol 1
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All Newsletters : December 1998 : Goodbye to Paul Carman
Goodbye and Thank You to Paul Carman
We are sorry to see Paul Carman leave the Management Committee of C-BERS Services. Paul has made a significant contribution to the establishment of C-BERSS and has been a compassionate advocate for the ex-residents. He wrote the following message for inclusion in C-BERSS Ex-Press.
"It is with considerable regret that, after a period of five years with C-BERSS and its predecessor ISERV, I will shortly be ceasing my involvement in the Management Committee.
I have been privileged in assisting the development of a group of professionals who provide a broad range of services to a large number of ex-residents of Christian Brothers institutions and more recently to former students.
Whilst I had some knowledge of the problems child migration to Australia had produced, I, like my other colleagues in C-BERS Services, have been terribly moved by the plight that so many ex-residents have faced.
The development of services in an environment in which there are many differing voices has been a tremedous challenge to C-BERSS and one which, on feedback, is being met and will continue to be met.
I believe one of the great strengths of the service is its total commitment to promoting and supporting the men who take advantage of its services and its ability to offer practical support and help to them.
The recent reviews of services, whilst indicating areas that we need to develop have reassured me that C-BERSS remains a responsive and dynamic service capable of meeting the changing needs of the men it has been charged to serve.
I believe that the service will continue with the duty entrusted to it which is to provide a financially accountable, but independent service dedicated to assisting men whose lives have been, in many cases, adversely affected by a range of experiences that have occurred in childhood.
I could not end this without a sincere expression of thanks to the administrative and counselling staff of C-BERSS. I have the utmost respect for their professional commitment and clear sightedness. I have learnt a tremendous deal from my colleagues in the Management Committee, particularly Maria Harries, who has the rare ability to organise a professional service which is at all times ethically focused and equitable in its activities. I am indebted to my colleagues, Debra Rosser and David Plowman, and acknowledge their great contribution to the service.
Finally, I must commend the leadership of the Holy Spirit Congregation of Christian Brothers for the commitment and trust that has allowed C-BERSS to fulfil its role in assisting and supporting ex-residents and former students."
Paul Carman
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