He claimed that because some people may be hesitant to approach their employers or other Singaporeans for assistance because of the language challenge or cultural differences, HealthServe’s program is important for the immigrant worker neighborhood.
” Some people are shy and may not ( communicate ) their problems. This programme is specially ( catered ) for us because if they don’t want to tell their problems to their bosses, they can come to us directly”, Mr Alauddin noted.
The organization stated that it keeps in touch with the stare help officials after their education to help them if they encounter problems while speaking with peers.
” Being far away from their family, working in a foreign area where speech might be a problem, where tradition is also unique to them”, said Mr Jeffrey Chua, head of the non-profit’s cognitive health education and community awareness.
“( This at least provides ) a support system where they can encourage their friends”.
24-HOUR HELPLINE
A crisis hotline is available for immigrant workers to discuss their issues, including work injuries, family wounds, and peer support.
About a dozen trained crisis helpline specialists work round-the-clock to man the service. They assess each call to determine their risk levels, listen to the callers ‘ concerns, and guide and support them.
Helpline expert Jyothi Pradeep Kumar said,” When we receive a high stress call, we’ll make sure that we make sure our tone is very calm and composed, and we don’t make the other person’s anxiety worse.”
She is fluent in four languages, which helps her to connect with migrant workers, at times even into the wee hours of the night.
” It is emotionally challenging sometimes”, she said. However, knowing that I was there for someone during their most difficult times and preventing self-harm is really worthwhile.