Reaching out to vulnerable groups with better programmes By: Raymond Anthony Fernando

From the desk of Raymond Anthony Fernando 24th January 2022 Ms SIM Ann Senior Minister of State c/o Ministry of National Development 5 Maxwell Road #22-00 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 Dear Ms Sim Ann, Reaching out to vulnerable groups with better programmes By: Raymond Anthony Fernando The death of the two 11-year-old brothers pieced at my heart, as did with many others who felt the pain of this tragedy. What more with two lives gone! Families caring for those with special needs could certainly do with more support. They must never be made to feel all alone. Mental health is a global concern, yet the level of support found in each country varies widely with cultural factors sometimes coming into play. Concerns and that much-needed support are even more vital now with the pandemic causing havoc and disrupting lives. In order to build a more inclusive and caring society here in Singapore – and elsewhere in the world in which we all look out for one another, there needs to be better support services. Given the rise in the number of people, including caregivers requiring essential services, there is a dire and urgent need to come up with a suitable programme in which citizens can seek assistance for their needs. The programme could be one in which citizens can register their names and when they need help for some services that includes caregiving. The agency appointed will then send down volunteers to assist the person who needs assistance, clock in the number of hours provided, and then later, when he/she is out of the woods, the person can provide support to another person who needs help at a later period. An exchange volunteer programme which can be termed, “Volunteer Trading Services”, and the good thing about this scheme is that there is no payment whatsoever involved. Poorer countries such as in the Philippines, India, Pakistan and Indonesia where poverty is at an all-time high, can benefit from such a scheme. Singapore can consider implementing such a scheme, perhaps on a pilot project, where caregivers for instance, can benefit from such a useful programme. Behind closed doors 80 percent of Singaporeans live in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Most, with the help of government subsidies, are able to buy their own homes. With more than 1 million flats spread across 23 towns and 3 estates, the Singapore brand of public housing is uniquely different. The flats are homes for over 80% of Singapore's resident population, of which about 90% own homes. Some of our needy citizens can only afford to rent a flat or in the case of foreigners who work here, rent a room from the owners who charge the tenants anything between $500 to $900 per month, depending on the size of the room and the location. Looking from outside of the HDB flats as you walk along the corridors, you will observe that everything looks the same, the doors are fire proof and of the same colour, the window panes and the gates are almost of the same design. But while on the outside of these homes, everything is the same, what is happening behind closed doors, is a completely different story. Families could be struggling with chronic illnesses, some going through depression, teenagers could be lured into taking drugs and engaging in sex, some in deep financial crisis and others without jobs and trying so hard to put food on the table. This is why it is so important to be a good neighbour where the virtues of kindness and compassion must shine so that no one will ever feel that they are all alone. A caring society is needed to care for the needy Accidents and chronic illnesses can happen when you least expect it. When this takes place, the quality of life takes a nose-dive. We need to hear the cry of help for those in pain as well as for their caregivers. As a gracious society, we must help those struggling to cope with sickness or injuries when at times it is through no fault of theirs. More so when we are all God’s children. For myself, if I am fated to take care of sick loved ones, so be it. I have carried a heavy cross taking care of my late wife, and I will once again carry another heavy cross if that is my fate. During moments of darkness, support or a kind word helps to pull up anyone who needs a helping hand. We should never adopt this attitude of, “If it’s not my business, I need not know or I need not care.” I know for a fact that God does not give suffering, but He allows suffering so that we can move closer to Him. I can lose money, I can lose friends, but I will not lose my faith in God. For on many occasions, Jesus has carried me on His shoulders when I was really down, even when I was struggling to cope with my late wife’s battle with schizophrenia. Doris may have had a disability, but all who read and know her, are well aware that my wife had – abilities. Appoint block leaders in housing estates Another effective way to combat or prevent tragedies is to appoint BLOCK LEADERS in every housing estate, including those in private estates. Those who have some experience in mental health, including healthcare workers in mental health can take on this role where they can be approached for assistance to rally around those with special needs. IMH can provide the training. These trained block leaders can also pay weekly or monthly visits to homes where support is needed. Give an allowance to the block leaders for their time and energy. Let us all manage mental illness BEFORE it manages us. In closing, Ms. Sim Ann, I invite to view the video produced creatively by the Royal Singapore Living with a schizophrenic for 40 years - YouTube I appreciate the response to my proposal. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando