Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Official Opening of Anglican Care Centre (Farrer Park), 13 October 2017

The Right Reverend Rennis Ponniah, Bishop of Singapore and

President of the Singapore Anglican Community Services and

St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital,

Board Members of the Singapore Anglican Community Services and

St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.         Good evening. I am delighted to be here not only for the Official Opening of the Anglican Care Centre at Farrer Park and also the Singapore Anglican Community Services’ (SACS) 50^th Golden Jubilee this year.

2.         SACS has a long history of helping the needy. Since 1986, SACS Family Care Centre has provided temporary safe refuge and support to more than 3,000 women and children who were victims of domestic violence. The CITY Community Services continues to help underprivileged primary school children through Befrienders Clubs in 16 schools.

3.         St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital (SAMH) together with its sister organisation SACS, have been our integral partners in the healthcare system, providing nursing home services for the elderly and persons with mental health conditions, as well as providing long-term care for people with autism.

Importance of Mental Health

4.         Mental wellbeing is an essential component of our overall health and wellness. It allows us to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

5.         Early identification and timely interventions are important to help people with mental health conditions maintain their quality of life for as long as possible. It is also equally important to create a supportive community where persons with mental health conditions are empowered to live safely and confidently.

Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) and Community Mental Health

6.         SACS has been a key provider of many mental health support services in the community. In 1986, Whampoa Care Centre, operated by SACS’s predecessor, Singapore Anglican Welfare Council, started its first day centre and residential care for persons with mental health conditions. Over the years, SACS’s psychiatric rehabilitation services expanded to also include home visits and employment support.

7.         SACS was appointed by MOH in 2016 to operate the only psychiatric sheltered home in Singapore, the Anglican Care Centre at Farrer Park. This home provides temporary accommodation for adults and youths recovering from mental health conditions. Rehabilitation counsellors work actively with them to prepare them for reintegration into the community. Programmes such as counselling, psycho-education and personal effectiveness skills, family engagement and support, vocational and skills support, as well as social and recreational activities will help these individuals in acquiring the skills they need to live independently in the community.

8.         Let me share with you the story of one of our beneficiaries, Mr Alan Ng. Alan was previously admitted to the Institute of Mental Health and subsequently discharged to Hougang Care Centre for rehabilitation.  His condition stabilised and he recovered from depression as he worked with SACS’ Integrated Employment Services to pick up a new vocational skill. Healthcare was one of his interest area and he attained a Healthcare Certificate. Alan now works as a Healthcare Assistant at the St. Andrew’s Nursing Home at Buangkok, which has been his supportive employer for the past 3 years.   His personal touch has encouraged many residents he cares for to do their best to improve their functional capabilities. In recognition of his exemplary qualities and dedication, Alan was awarded the Healthcare Humanity Award with Honourable Mention this year. After receiving SACS’ support, Alan is now living with his family, gainfully employed, and successfully integrated into the community.

9.         Another beneficiary of the comprehensive continuum of care that SACS Psychiatric Services provides is Mdm Teo, a resident of Hougang Care Centre since December 2015. Mdm Teo learnt to manage her schizophrenia by taking her medication regularly and going for her medical appointments, with the support of the counsellor at the Centre. Striving to be independent, Mdm Teo works as a freelance massage therapist to support herself. With the opening of the Anglican Care Centre at Farrer Park, Mdm Teo will now be able to benefit from its care and temporary accommodation services, which will prepare her for her eventual full integration back into the community.  

10.       These stories show us the importance of adopting a holistic approach to helping persons with mental health conditions. Besides the initial acute phase medical treatment, they need continuous support and rehabilitation to sustain their recovery and reintegrate them into society. With good community support, many of them can lead a normal life including engaging in regular employment.

CONCLUSION

11.       I would like to commend SACS and St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital for their many years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee celebrations, and let us continue to work together to support those in need. Thank you.