Befriending Services Singapore

Befriending services in Singapore are becoming increasingly popular, especially for the elderly population. These services provide emotional and psychological support to those who are lonely, isolated, or bored. They offer a listening ear and a helping hand to those who need someone to talk to.

Befriending services are run by volunteers who are trained to visit seniors living alone regularly. They help them to cope with disabilities or ageing issues and prevent them from feeling lonely. These services are essential for the elderly population, as they provide them with a sense of belonging and reduce their risk of developing depression or other mental health issues.

Key Takeaways

• Befriending services in Singapore provide emotional and psychological support to the elderly population.
• These services are run by volunteers who visit seniors living alone regularly.
• Befriending services are essential for the elderly population as they provide them with a sense of belonging and reduce their risk of developing mental health issues.

Overview of Befriending Services in Singapore

Befriending services in Singapore are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide support and companionship to seniors who are lonely, isolated or bored. These services are designed to improve the overall emotional and psychological well-being of seniors living in the community.

Purpose of Befriending Services

The purpose of befriending services is to allow elderly persons in Singapore to age in place within their respective communities while preventing loneliness. Many of these seniors experience extended periods of social isolation and some even go days without any interaction or physical contact, especially for those living alone. Befriending services provide trained volunteers who can visit seniors as friends, providing some relief to their loneliness, isolation or boredom. These volunteers can do a range of activities with seniors, such as playing games, going for walks or simply having a chat over a cup of tea.

Popularity and Demand

Befriending services are in high demand in Singapore due to the aging population. According to the Department of Statistics Singapore, the proportion of seniors aged 65 years and above is expected to increase from 14.4% in 2019 to 20% in 2030. As a result, there is a growing need for befriending services to help seniors stay connected with their communities and maintain their independence.

Target Beneficiaries

Befriending services in Singapore are primarily targeted towards seniors who are living alone, have limited social support networks, or are experiencing social isolation or loneliness. These services are also available to seniors who require additional support due to physical or mental health conditions. Befriending services can be accessed through various government and non-governmental organizations, such as the Agency for Integrated Care and Lions Befrienders Service Association.

Key Providers and Programmes

Singapore has a range of befriending services, which are designed to help seniors who live alone. These services offer emotional and psychological support, companionship, and practical assistance. Here are some of the key providers and programmes available:

Voluntary Welfare Organisations

One of the main providers of befriending services in Singapore is the Lions Befrienders. This organisation has been operating since 1995 and has helped thousands of seniors across the country. They offer a range of services, including home visits, group activities, and telephone befriending. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Another voluntary welfare organisation that provides befriending services is the Singapore Anglican Community Services. Their befriending programme matches volunteers with seniors who live alone, providing them with regular visits and companionship. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Community Initiatives

In addition to voluntary welfare organisations, there are also a number of community initiatives that provide befriending services. For example, the Befrienders Connect programme is a community-led initiative that provides telephone befriending services to seniors who live alone. The programme is run by volunteers who are trained to provide emotional support and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Another community initiative is the Silver Circle programme, which is run by the People’s Association. This programme provides a range of services, including home visits, group activities, and telephone befriending. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Government-Supported Schemes

Finally, there are also a number of government-supported schemes that provide befriending services. For example, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) runs a befriending service that matches volunteers with seniors who live alone. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely. The AIC also runs a Neighbourhood Links programme, which provides seniors with access to community resources and services.

In addition, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) runs the Community Networks for Seniors programme, which aims to build stronger communities by connecting seniors with volunteers and community resources. The programme provides a range of services, including home visits, group activities, and telephone befriending. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

Overall, there are a range of befriending services available in Singapore, provided by voluntary welfare organisations, community initiatives, and government-supported schemes. These services are designed to help seniors who live alone by providing emotional and psychological support, companionship, and practical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exciting opportunities exist for volunteers in community befriending programmes?

Volunteering in community befriending programmes offers exciting opportunities to make a significant difference in the lives of seniors who are lonely, isolated or bored. Befrienders can help provide regular companionship and support for seniors in their golden years. Volunteers can expect to gain new skills, knowledge and experience, as well as develop new friendships and connections within their local community.

How can one access complimentary befriending services in our local community?

There are several organizations that offer complimentary befriending services in Singapore. Some of these organizations include Lions Befrienders, TOUCH Community Services, and NTUC Health. Individuals can access these services by contacting the organizations directly or through referrals from their healthcare providers.

Could you shed some light on the roles and responsibilities of a befriender?

Befrienders play a vital role in providing social support to seniors through home visits and phone calls. They provide companionship, emotional support, and can help seniors with basic tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands. Befrienders are also responsible for maintaining regular contact with their assigned seniors and reporting any concerns or issues to their organization.

Are there any financial incentives for participating in befriending services?

While there are no financial incentives for participating in befriending services, volunteers can expect to gain personal satisfaction and fulfillment from making a positive impact on the lives of seniors. Some organizations may offer training and development opportunities for volunteers.

What are the steps involved in becoming a befriending volunteer?

The steps involved in becoming a befriending volunteer may vary depending on the organization. Generally, individuals will need to complete an application form, attend an interview, and undergo training and orientation. They may also need to undergo a background check and provide references.

Where can individuals seek immediate assistance through befriending hotlines?

Individuals can seek immediate assistance through befriending hotlines, such as the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) hotline at 1800-221-4444 or the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) helpline at 6389-2222. These hotlines provide confidential emotional support and crisis intervention services for individuals in need.