HealthServe, a charity in Singapore, is working to improve the mental health of migrant workers by growing its peer support network. Since 2021, it has trained nearly 1,300 migrant workers as peer support leaders. These leaders help by recognizing signs of distress, offering support, and guiding their peers to the right resources.
The training sessions are tailored to the workers’ needs, conducted in their native languages like Tamil, Bengali, Burmese, and Mandarin. This initiative empowers participants to provide early intervention within their communities, bridging cultural and linguistic barriers that often deter workers from seeking help.
One example is Alauddin MD, a Bangladeshi migrant worker who completed the training last year. Through the program, he learned stress management techniques and how to support peers facing challenges like financial issues, work stress, or family problems. Alauddin highlighted the program’s importance, noting that many workers feel more comfortable sharing their struggles with peers rather than employers due to language and cultural differences.
To ensure continued support, HealthServe maintains regular contact with trained leaders, assisting them when they face difficulties in helping others. Jeffrey Chua, head of HealthServe’s mental health training, emphasized the value of this peer network, especially for workers far from home and grappling with cultural differences.
In addition to peer support, HealthServe operates a 24-hour helpline staffed by trained specialists. The hotline addresses various concerns, from pay disputes to emotional crises, and handled 3,300 calls last year. High-risk cases are redirected to counseling services or relevant organizations like the Ministry of Manpower for further assistance.
HealthServe also organizes outreach events in dormitories and recreational areas, spreading mental health awareness among workers. This year, the charity reached 6,000 workers, a significant increase from the previous year, reflecting growing interest in mental health and volunteerism within the migrant community.
The charity’s initiatives highlight the importance of creating accessible support systems, ensuring migrant workers in Singapore know they are not alone in their journey.