“During the Circuit Breaker period, my husband’s construction work was put on hold, and he was unable to chip in for our household expenses. When we heard that my application for the Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) scheme was successful, and I would receive more subsidies due to the enhancements, I immediately felt a sense of relief and joy. I’m most glad that Jia Ming can get the help he needs with his homework and take part in his favourite craft activities in a conducive after-school environment,” said May.
As May and her husband work long hours, they decided to enrol their child, Jia Ming, in a student care centre when he entered Primary One this year. Jia Ming was placed on the SCFA scheme, which provides children from lower-income families with monthly subsidies.
Since 1 July 2020, MSF has implemented enhancements to the SCFA scheme to ensure that student care remains affordable for families like May’s.
Find out more about the enhancements to the SCFA scheme here: go.gov.sg/scfaschemeenhancements
As May and her husband work long hours, they decided to enrol their child, Jia Ming, in a student care centre when he entered Primary One this year. Jia Ming was placed on the SCFA scheme, which provides children from lower-income families with monthly subsidies.
Since 1 July 2020, MSF has implemented enhancements to the SCFA scheme to ensure that student care remains affordable for families like May’s.
Find out more about the enhancements to the SCFA scheme here: go.gov.sg/scfaschemeenhancements
#LetsMeet Nafisah Suheimi, Principal of Madrasah Al-Ma’arif Al-Islamiah, who has been volunteering with the Youth Mental Well-being (YMWB) Network since the start of this year.
“As I work closely with parents in my role as an educator, I realise that many of them need guidance in areas pertaining to the mental well-being of youths. I joined the YWMB Network as I was interested to see how parents and caregivers can be equipped to better support their children.
One of the roles I play in the Network is facilitating group discussions, where members come up with problem statements and solutions to issues on youth mental well-being. It has been rejuvenating to meet and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, which inspires me to do more for the community!”
If you are passionate about youth mental well-being too, connect with us at www.reach.gov.sg/youth-mental-well-being
“As I work closely with parents in my role as an educator, I realise that many of them need guidance in areas pertaining to the mental well-being of youths. I joined the YWMB Network as I was interested to see how parents and caregivers can be equipped to better support their children.
One of the roles I play in the Network is facilitating group discussions, where members come up with problem statements and solutions to issues on youth mental well-being. It has been rejuvenating to meet and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, which inspires me to do more for the community!”
If you are passionate about youth mental well-being too, connect with us at www.reach.gov.sg/youth-mental-well-being
From organising online reading sessions to raising funds for families in rental flats, Bringing Love to Every Single Soul (BLESS) decided that disruptions due to COVID-19 would not affect their good work. Read about how Gillian Peck, BLESS’ Managing Director, got creative with their ComLink @ Marsiling programmes: https://msfcaresblog.com/2020/08/31/strengthening-community-partnerships-to-better-serve-families/
#LetsMeet Brian Monteiro, from Catholic Welfare Services, who partners us in reaching out to rough sleepers.
"I recall a memorable heart-warming interaction with a rough sleeper who shared with me that being able to sleep on a mattress after many years on a cardboard box got him thinking more seriously about the present circumstances in his life.
Our colleagues and volunteers conduct weekly night walks (also known as Friday Night Mission) to reach out and befriend rough sleepers on the streets.
One of our collaborators, Masks for All SG joined us on a recent night walk, and even provided some 6500 masks and other supplies to Catholic Welfare Services and also to the rest of the PEERS Network, to help keep these vulnerable groups safe. I would like to thank them for all their hard work in supporting our homeless friends during this challenging period.
I hope that the community can also be compassionate towards the homeless, and encourage them to seek shelter or return home."
"I recall a memorable heart-warming interaction with a rough sleeper who shared with me that being able to sleep on a mattress after many years on a cardboard box got him thinking more seriously about the present circumstances in his life.
Our colleagues and volunteers conduct weekly night walks (also known as Friday Night Mission) to reach out and befriend rough sleepers on the streets.
One of our collaborators, Masks for All SG joined us on a recent night walk, and even provided some 6500 masks and other supplies to Catholic Welfare Services and also to the rest of the PEERS Network, to help keep these vulnerable groups safe. I would like to thank them for all their hard work in supporting our homeless friends during this challenging period.
I hope that the community can also be compassionate towards the homeless, and encourage them to seek shelter or return home."
Being more cooped up at home, along with job insecurity and dwindling income, can result in an “environment where tempers flare and stress takes its toll”. This may lead to an uptick of family violence.
With fellow members of the Taskforce on Family Violence, Georgette Tan, President of United Women Singapore, hopes to empower victims to break the cycle of violence. Find out how they have been working together to combat family violence during this pandemic: https://msfcaresblog.com/2020/08/31/say-no-to-family-violence/
With fellow members of the Taskforce on Family Violence, Georgette Tan, President of United Women Singapore, hopes to empower victims to break the cycle of violence. Find out how they have been working together to combat family violence during this pandemic: https://msfcaresblog.com/2020/08/31/say-no-to-family-violence/
#LetsMeet Mr Rosswira Bin Ismail, 49, a freelance stagehand worker, whose perseverance shone through when COVID-19 affected his income. He now does ad-hoc delivery to supplement his income.
“I still have some savings but if I don’t receive enough work and keep taking from my savings, it will slowly become zero.
I told myself I cannot give up, so I’m still looking out for jobs. The COVID-19 Support Grant has given me some relief and I plan to apply for another three months of assistance.”
Find out if you are eligible for the CSG too: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs
“I still have some savings but if I don’t receive enough work and keep taking from my savings, it will slowly become zero.
I told myself I cannot give up, so I’m still looking out for jobs. The COVID-19 Support Grant has given me some relief and I plan to apply for another three months of assistance.”
Find out if you are eligible for the CSG too: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs
As we celebrate International Day of Sign Languages today, #LetsMeet counsellor for the deaf community, Tina Li.
“I first learnt sign language in secondary school through interacting with my fellow hard-of-hearing friends, and joining activities that included the deaf.
As a counsellor now, sign language helps me to communicate clearly with my deaf clients, and understand their needs to provide suitable help. It allows me to express myself better, compared to gesturing or writing, and has also brought me closer to the deaf community.”
“I first learnt sign language in secondary school through interacting with my fellow hard-of-hearing friends, and joining activities that included the deaf.
As a counsellor now, sign language helps me to communicate clearly with my deaf clients, and understand their needs to provide suitable help. It allows me to express myself better, compared to gesturing or writing, and has also brought me closer to the deaf community.”
When was the last time you chatted with your grandparents or paid them a visit?
Spending time regularly with our extended family is just as important as bonding with those around us. Here are six ways to forge closer ties with your grandparents and build warm memories along the way: https://www.familiesforlife.sg/discover-an-article/Pages/How-Well-Do-We-Understand-Our-Grands0914-7282.aspx
#CelebratingOurGrands #FFLShareTheCare
Spending time regularly with our extended family is just as important as bonding with those around us. Here are six ways to forge closer ties with your grandparents and build warm memories along the way: https://www.familiesforlife.sg/discover-an-article/Pages/How-Well-Do-We-Understand-Our-Grands0914-7282.aspx
#CelebratingOurGrands #FFLShareTheCare
The application deadline for the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) has been extended till 31 December 2020 to support people who have been financially affected by the pandemic, to get back on their feet.
Successful applicants will receive up to $800 per month, for three months. Those who have previously received the CSG may also apply for another three months of support, if you meet the revised eligibility criteria here: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs.
Online applications are open from 9am to 6pm daily.
#SGUnited #SingaporeTogether
Successful applicants will receive up to $800 per month, for three months. Those who have previously received the CSG may also apply for another three months of support, if you meet the revised eligibility criteria here: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs.
Online applications are open from 9am to 6pm daily.
#SGUnited #SingaporeTogether
Not long after her first child was born, Diana’s (not her real name) once loving and patient husband started losing his temper easily, and abused her.
Although she felt trapped in her marriage, Diana thought that bearing the abuse was her duty as a wife. One day, she realised that the abuse could impact her children’s safety and emotional well-being, and decided to pluck up her courage and seek help from social service organisations. She then filed for a Personal Protection Order to protect herself and her children.
Today is the International Day of Non-Violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out for help and break the silence. Find out more at www.msf.gov.sg/breakthesilence.
Although she felt trapped in her marriage, Diana thought that bearing the abuse was her duty as a wife. One day, she realised that the abuse could impact her children’s safety and emotional well-being, and decided to pluck up her courage and seek help from social service organisations. She then filed for a Personal Protection Order to protect herself and her children.
Today is the International Day of Non-Violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out for help and break the silence. Find out more at www.msf.gov.sg/breakthesilence.
#LetsMeet Ronnie Ma, Kampong Glam Citizens’ Consultative Committee Chairman, who coordinates food support activities in the area.
“During the Circuit Breaker, the demand for food tripled, as more families were having meals at home. My team and I worked tirelessly with volunteers and coordinated the distribution of food packs – donated by various food charities – to families in need.
It was very encouraging to see an influx of volunteers stepping forward to serve the community when we put up a notice asking for more help.”
“During the Circuit Breaker, the demand for food tripled, as more families were having meals at home. My team and I worked tirelessly with volunteers and coordinated the distribution of food packs – donated by various food charities – to families in need.
It was very encouraging to see an influx of volunteers stepping forward to serve the community when we put up a notice asking for more help.”
This Saturday, 10 October, join Families for Life in #CelebratingOurGrands to show appreciation to your grandparents or granduncles and grandaunts! Design a personalised book cover for your Grands to let them know how special they are to you, and stand to win a weekend staycation and other attractive prizes for your family.
Read on to find out more: https://www.familiesforlife.sg/unite-at-an-event/Pages/Celebrating-Our-Grands-2020.aspx
#FFLGrandStories2020
Read on to find out more: https://www.familiesforlife.sg/unite-at-an-event/Pages/Celebrating-Our-Grands-2020.aspx
#FFLGrandStories2020
This World Mental Health Day, #LetsMeet Bringing Love to Every Single Soul (BLESS)' Managing Director, Gillian Peck, who promotes art-making as a way to sustain mental well-being.
“5 years ago, my struggle with depression and an eating disorder led me to drop out of university. I visited an art therapist who helped me work through my issues, and taught me to express my emotions through art. I set up an Instagram account (@he.artnotes) to share my artworks, and spread hope and positivity to others, which helped me get my life back on track.
Now, I am also reaching out to youths from rental households through BLESS’ upcoming mental health workshops.
I hope that my story can inspire people to take charge of their mental health, and seek help early.”
If you need emotional and psychological support, call the National CARE Hotline at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily or visit go.gov.sg/mentalwellnessresources.
“5 years ago, my struggle with depression and an eating disorder led me to drop out of university. I visited an art therapist who helped me work through my issues, and taught me to express my emotions through art. I set up an Instagram account (@he.artnotes) to share my artworks, and spread hope and positivity to others, which helped me get my life back on track.
Now, I am also reaching out to youths from rental households through BLESS’ upcoming mental health workshops.
I hope that my story can inspire people to take charge of their mental health, and seek help early.”
If you need emotional and psychological support, call the National CARE Hotline at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily or visit go.gov.sg/mentalwellnessresources.
On World Food Day today, #LetsMeet Sim Bee Hia, Chief Executive Officer of Food From the Heart.
“During the Circuit Breaker period, we had to ensure that the provision of food rations was not disrupted for families in need. Although we faced several logistical challenges, we are thankful to volunteers who came forward to help with packing and delivering the food packs to our beneficiaries.
We have also expanded Project Belanja!, our charity meal programme that allows beneficiaries to scan a card and redeem meals at selected hawker stalls. We now have more partner hawkers, so we can serve more beneficiaries.”
“During the Circuit Breaker period, we had to ensure that the provision of food rations was not disrupted for families in need. Although we faced several logistical challenges, we are thankful to volunteers who came forward to help with packing and delivering the food packs to our beneficiaries.
We have also expanded Project Belanja!, our charity meal programme that allows beneficiaries to scan a card and redeem meals at selected hawker stalls. We now have more partner hawkers, so we can serve more beneficiaries.”
“There are multiple messages in all the tracks of the 10-song cycle. But the one message that I hope will stay with listeners, especially those with mental health conditions, is that they are not alone.”
Together with the other members of 3am Music Collective, guitarist Ivan Lim turns his lived experience with mental health conditions into music that connects with others in a special way, and performed selections from their album at the virtual Beyond The Label Fest 2020. Read on to find out what motivates them: https://msfcaresblog.com/2020/09/30/beyond-the-label/
Together with the other members of 3am Music Collective, guitarist Ivan Lim turns his lived experience with mental health conditions into music that connects with others in a special way, and performed selections from their album at the virtual Beyond The Label Fest 2020. Read on to find out what motivates them: https://msfcaresblog.com/2020/09/30/beyond-the-label/