Singapore enhances mental health support at workplaces

Besides that, the task force will also boost access to mental health services and strengthen support for youth mental health.

During a debate in Parliament recently, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary addressed MPs’ concerns regarding mental health support in Singapore and discussed the preliminary recommendations put forth by the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being.

Dr Janil said that the task force is currently conducting a public consultation to seek views on its preliminary recommendations, which will end on August 7.

“The findings from the public consultation will enable the task force to refine the recommendations and develop a national strategy on mental health and well-being. Following this, indicators will be developed to measure the implementation progress and effectiveness of the strategy,” he said. 

To help support employees’ welfare in the workplace, the task force proposed improving vocational training and job opportunities for those with mental health conditions, among other suggestions.

Besides addressing mental health issues at the workplace, the taskforce has recommended designating “first-stop touchpoints” for elderly residents to find mental health services easily and equipping front-line service providers with the knowledge and training to help these residents.

READ: Singapore aims to retrain at least half a million mid-career workers a year

To better support young people, the task force recommended the development of a parents’ toolbox which will enable parents to support children’s social-emotional well-being and promoting the positive use of social media and technology, according to The Straits Times.