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President Halimah Yacob has reassured those affected by the River Valley High School incident that they are "not alone" and urged them to "seek help or a listening ear".

Seek help

In a Facebook post on July 21, the president extended her condolences and provided possible avenues for those who are affected to seek help.

While the incident was "hard to make sense of", Halimah added, the trauma and grief experienced by those affected by the incident was "unimaginable" and felt by many others.

"It is hard to make sense of what happened. It is even harder to fathom the unimaginable trauma and grief experienced by the families, loved ones, friends, students and teachers affected."

She also encouraged those who might be shocked, scared, helpless, or confused, by saying that seeking help is not a "sign of weakness".

She wrote: "If you are one of them, I want you to know that you are not alone. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help or a listening ear."

Halimah also suggested the alternative of confidential support helplines and groups, in case those in need do not want to be "seen".

Sombre day

Halimah's message came on the first day that students and teachers from River Valley High School returned to campus after the July 19 incident.

The president offered her "deepest condolences to the victim’s family" and said she was "deeply saddened to hear about the tragedy".

She said this is the time for Singaporeans to come together to collectively heal: "Especially during this trying time of the pandemic, let’s be kind and compassionate to one another."

Halimah also urged people to reach out to people they knew who are in distress: "If you know of anyone who seems to be in distress, reach out to him or her."

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Top image from Halimah Yacob/FB and Cute Cat/Google Maps