Steps to Ensure SG Mental Well-Being Network Workers are Equipped to Assist Persons Coping with Mental Health
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the safeguards and training provided to SG Mental Well-Being Network volunteers to effectively assist individuals coping with mental health issues, as raised by Mr Christopher de Souza. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that the Network focuses on destigmatising mental health and strengthening peer support through the pilot of Well-Being Circles. These Circles train grassroots leaders and volunteers to provide basic socio-emotional support, encourage help-seeking, and guide individuals toward self-care resources for less intensive mental health needs. The Network supports these volunteers with resources and training while encouraging partner organisations to implement safeguards, such as routine check-ins and counselling support for volunteers. This approach ensures that community-led support complements existing mental health services while protecting the emotional well-being of the volunteers themselves.
Transcript
56 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth what safeguards are in place for the SG Mental Well-Being Network to ensure that neighbours, members of the community and grassroots volunteers are equipped to assist those coping with mental health.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The SG Mental Well-Being Network is a network comprising citizens and partners aimed at strengthening Singaporeans' mental well-being. Launched in July 2022, it is an expansion of the Youth Mental Well-Being Network, which was set up at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic primarily for youths.
The Network will focus initially on destigmatising and raising awareness of mental well-being issues, build mental well-being literacy and strengthening community and peer support.
One key deliverable under the Network is to pilot Well-Being Circles in the community. The Circles will train and equip citizens with the skills to look after themselves and support one another. The Circles will be led by grassroot leaders and community volunteers, and the Network will support them with resources, partnerships, and training.
The training provided to the Circles will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to: provide basic socio-emotional support, encourage help-seeking in persons with mental health challenges, and support wayfinding to resources for self-care as well as further interventions. The Circles cater to individuals with less intensive mental health needs, complementing the role of other mental health services in the community.
Partner organisations of the Network will be encouraged to implement safeguards for their own volunteers' well-being. These include organising routine check-ins with volunteers or providing counselling support if volunteers experience significant emotional distress when supporting others.