Provision of Onsite Counselling Support During After-office Hours to Emotionally Unstable Residents in Housing Estates

29 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry can provide on-site counselling support during after-office hours in housing estates to residents who are emotionally unstable.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Residents facing emotional distress can be assisted by various touchpoints in the community, such as the Family Service Centres (FSC), counselling centres, and healthcare institutions. Typically, these agencies operate during office hours (some have extended hours on selected days), and residents can either walk in or contact them to schedule an appointment.

After office hours, a resident who is emotionally distressed may call the National Care Hotline (Tel: 1800-202-6868, 8am to 12 midnight) or 24-hour crisis hotlines like Samaritans of Singapore (SOS – Tel: 1800-221-444) and the Institute of Mental Health’s (IMH) Mental Health Helpline (Tel: 6389-2222).

Members of the public may call the Police when they come across an emotionally distressed resident who is posing a risk to the safety of self or others. Based on the facts and circumstances of the case, Police will provide the necessary assistance which may include referring the resident for social assistance and psychiatric examination.