Singapore Unveils Strategies for National Mental Health Efforts

A few days before the celebration of World Mental Health Day, Singapore’s Inter-agency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-Being launched their National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy last Thursday, Oct. 5.

With the goal of creating an efficient mental health ecosystem for Singaporeans, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-led taskforce encourages accessible and quality clinical care, as well as a supportive community and society through the strategy.

The strategy spotlights four key areas: expanding capacity for mental health services, promoting well-being, improving service providers’ capabilities for early identification and intervention, and enhancing mental health and well-being in the workplace.

Some of the efforts the taskforce will enforce are establishing a National Mental Health Office by 2025, training frontline personnel and upskilling 1,500 frontline social service professionals in the next two years to provide psychological first aid, and developing a platform to facilitate mental health service referrals.

In partnership with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the taskforce is also working on a Crisis Response Team (CRT) that will support police officers in handling suicidal cases. For families, a Parents’ Toolbox is also in the works to equip parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to build strong relationships with their children.

To learn more about the strategy, visit MOH’s website or download the full document here.