COVID-19 has been a stressful period for many, but it is even more difficult for those with mental health issues, said President Halimah Yacob on 11 September.
She was speaking at the official opening of a new activity hub under Psalt Care, a charity dedicated to helping those with mental health and addiction challenges.
She said it is crucial to provide care for those with mental health challenges in the community, as Psalt Care has done.
Psalt Care, established in 2014, is one of the social service agencies supported by the President’s Challenge. There are currently about 180 people who use its services.
Psalt Care’s executive director Jackie Tay said the new activity hub in Jalan Lepas in Hougang is meant to be a “place for peers by peers”, where those recovering from mental health conditions can find support from others with similar conditions.
It is called Betsy’s Place in honour of the late Mrs Betsy Winslow, an avid supporter of social causes whose son is Psalt Care’s founding director Munidasa Winslow.
Noting that those with mental health issues need additional support and encouragement, Madam Halimah highlighted the importance of peer support programmes, such as regular support meetings, workshops and counselling.
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Source: The Straits Times, 12 September 2020