Ever since a national hotline for psychological and emotional support was set up over two weeks ago, more than 6,600 people have called to seek help, said Minister for Social and Family Development (MSF), Desmond Lee, today (Apr. 29) in a Facebook post.

Issues faced by callers

According to Lee, some of the top concerns that were heard by the National CARE Hotline were anxiety, the need for emotional support, concerns over finances and marital disputes.

Other issues that were brought up included fear over the spread of Covid-19 and concerns over their personal health and the future.

Some called the hotline for a listening ear to share their frustration with the changes in their daily lives due to the pandemic.

MSF and social service agencies have also seen an increase in enquiries and referrals related to domestic violence and conflicts since the start of the Circuit Breaker period.

About 500 National CARE Hotline volunteers have stepped forward

In his post, Lee expressed his gratitude to around 500 National CARE Hotline volunteers who have come forward to help those who are feeling down.

These volunteers take turns to man the 24-hour hotline.

Lee mentioned that each call is unique and allows for those involved to understand the various challenges different individuals face during this pandemic.

One example of a call included a concerned parent who was feeling stressed about their child's pre-existing health condition.

The volunteer Duty CARE Officer (DCO) who attended the call listened to the parent's concerns and suggested strategies to cope with caring for and supporting their child.

Another example of a call was from an elderly person whose insomnia had become worse due to fears about Covid-19.

The caller was referred to healthcare services, as they were assessed to require further support.

"Taking care of our mental and emotional health is key to us emerging stronger from this crisis," said Lee.

"Let’s encourage our family members and friends whom we know are feeling down or distressed to pick up the phone and dial in to the National CARE Hotline, or our other community helplines."

Helplines

National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868

For Mental Well-being

• Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service: eC2.sg
• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6385-3714

For Marital and parenting issues

• Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform: CPHOnlineCounselling.sg

For Violence or abuse

• Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre: 6445-0400
• HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre: 6819-9170
• PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection: 6555-0390
• Project StART: 6476-1482
• TRANS SAFE Centre: 6449-9088

For Counselling

• TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800

For the Elderly

• Agency for Integrated Care Hotline: 1800-650-6060

For more helplines: go.gov.sg/hotlines

You can check out Lee's full post here:

Top Image via Rudy and Peter Skitterians/Pixabay