Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Raymond's letter to The New Paper: Look into the welfare of caregivers

My letter on the above matter is published today, Wed 25 May 2011, page 20 in The New Paper.



It is encouraging to note that the People's Action Party's (PAP) has promised change not just in its communication and style but also in its policies.

With the Prime Minister's assurance that every segment of the society will be taken care of, I urge him and his new team to look into the needs of those with special needs, including the mentally ill and their caregivers, the elderly lonely and autistic children and their families.

I am encouraged that Madam Halimah Yacob has been posted to the Ministry Of Community Development, Youth and Sports to serve as its Minister of State.

Understands

She cares for the mentally ill and their caregivers, and understands how difficult it is to care for someone suffering from a mental illness.

People with mental illness and their caregivers face huge challenges in their lives: stigma, lack of financial and social support, employment, housing difficulties, crisis intervention and high rate of relapses.

Yet, the support structure for these marginalised citizens is weak in Singapore.

If caregiving is to be raised to a higher level, the Government should look into the welfare of caregivers who are willing to travel the long and arduous journey.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

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