Various Helplines & Foreign Worker Ambassadors For Isolated Foreign Workers To Protect Their Mental Health

Previously, there was a spate of incidents where migrant workers resorted to extreme measures because they couldn’t take the extreme pressure anymore.

During that time, the NGOs said that many migrant’s workers’ mental health was affected by the extended confinement, as well as uncertainties over their health and jobs.

MOM had said, then, that they will monitor the situation and work closely with partners and NGOs to enhance mental health support programmes for the workers.

Well, it seems like recent measures to safeguard the mental health of migrant workers have been working, according to the MOM.

Questions About Workers’ Mental Health

Member of Parliament, Leon Perera, had asked the following questions in parliament recently:

• What measures have been put in place to address mental health challenges faced by migrant workers during this period including those who are barred from leaving their living and workspaces
• When have these measures been put in place
• What is being done to help workers who develop mental health conditions when under confinement; and
• What steps are taken to ascertain the effectiveness of such measures and to improve on them?

Helplines Available To The Workers

In response, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo, in a written reply, outlined the various measures that were already implemented.

Hotlines:

For workers who are facing mental distress, there are several channels where they can get help from, including the Migrant Workers’ Centre’s 24-hour Helpline and HealthServe’s dedicated hotline.

The MWC helpline will refer serious cases to mental health specialists in hospitals while HealthServe’s provide medical information and tele-counselling sessions.

The HealthServe hotline has received over 15,000 enquiries and helped more than 1,100 workers.

Getting Workers Back To Work As Soon As Possible

As mentioned in early August, one part which contributed a lot to workers’ distress is due to worries about job security.

The rapid testing and clearing of dormitories have helped workers get back to work as fast as possible.

As of 31 Aug 2020, 90% of workers living in dormitories are able to return to work.

Although it should be noted, as many as 16,000 workers might not be able to because of their employers.

Mental Wellness Activities

MOM is also allowing selected workers living in selected dormitories visit Recreation Centres on their off days.

Trials were started recently and their visit timings are staggered.

Free hair cuts among many other “mental wellness” activities were also offered to them.

FAST Team & Foreign Worker Ambassadors

If you’ve read our previous article, you’ll know that the FAST teams deployed at dormitories have done their best to keep the residents happy.

The FAST teams have received training to identify and manage mental issues.

In addition, the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) has a 5,000-strong network of foreign worker ambassadors who keep a lookout for distressed workers.

MOM also helped to facilitate the return for workers who want to go back to their home countries.

Signs That Measures Are Working

According to Teo, calls made to the MWC hotline has spiked to 700 calls a week during the circuit breaker period.

However, it has since reduced to about 500 calls a week.

Pointing out to the pre-Covid-19 call volume of around 400 a week, she said that the numbers are “not too far” off.

Meanwhile, MOM will continue to monitor and support workers closely.

For migrant workers who are facing issues, here are a few helplines you can get help from:

• Migrant Workers’ 24-hour helpline: 6536 2692
• MOM feedback form: www.mom.gov.sg/efeedback
• HOME Helpline for Migrant Workers: 6341 5535
• TWC2 Helpline for Migrant Workers: 6297 7564
• HealthServe: +65 31384443 (call/WhatsApp)