Social service agencies will also receive greater financial support to better serve those in need, MSF said.
For instance, the Tote Board has committed about S$846 million in funding for more than 70 key social service programmes over the next five years, the ministry said. This is their largest commitment to date and complements the Government’s funding of about S$400 million a year.
ENABLING HUBS IN COMMUNITIES
The first Enabling Services Hub will be launched in Tampines West Community Centre by mid-2023, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Family and Social Services Eric Chua. The hub is operated by SG Enable in collaboration with SPD, a charity serving people with disabilities in Singapore.
Tampines was selected as it has one of the highest numbers of adults with disabilities in the east, said MSF. There will also be a satellite site at Bedok.
This is part of initiatives in the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to help people with disabilities, their caregivers and families to access community and employment support closer to their homes.
At the Enabling Services Hub, people with disabilities can take part in social activities to interact with neighbours and volunteers, and attend courses to pick up new skills. Caregivers who need a short break can also make use of drop-in respite care services, said Mr Chua.
The ESH will have an outreach team, which will actively engage people with disabilities and their families living in Tampines and Bedok, especially those not currently enrolled in any disability services, he added. Community befrienders will be matched to those who need more support.