‘More than just people giving time or money’: She’s leading Singapore’s social service sector into the future

With social services companies, there is a “tendency to look after that one cut ( they are responsible for )”, Tan explained. There is a loss of dignity in the fact that the community has to travel to various locations to get help.

Tan sees the part of NCSS as adopting a more systematic approach, combining the services of various agencies into one to provide a continuum of care for more holistic support.

For example, NCSS spearheaded the partnership between Montfort Care, Fei Yue Community Services, and Yong-en Care Centre to set up JiaYou, which was launched in August this time.

Located at Chinatown Point, this heart supports seniors and caregivers across Singapore via community engagement, dementia care, caregiver consultation, a caregivers ‘ shop, an effective age programme and seminars on palliative care administration.

” The concept behind it is that instead of funding distinct services or container service, we create a center where a specific team, in this case, seniors, should be able to get all their needs met”, she said.