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More than 6,600 people call National Care Hotline in two weeks since its launch

SINGAPORE — More than 6,600 people have called the National Care Hotline to seek help since it was launched over two weeks ago, said Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee on Wednesday (April 29).

Ten per cent of callers to the National Care Hotline were seeking emotional support, some of whom were elderly folk who feel alone and isolated during the circuit breaker period, said the Ministry of Social and Family Development's chief psychologist Vivienne Ng.

Ten per cent of callers to the National Care Hotline were seeking emotional support, some of whom were elderly folk who feel alone and isolated during the circuit breaker period, said the Ministry of Social and Family Development's chief psychologist Vivienne Ng.

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SINGAPORE — More than 6,600 people have called the National Care Hotline to seek help since it was launched over two weeks ago, said Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee on Wednesday (April 29).

In a Facebook post, Mr Lee said that anxiety, the need for emotional support, concerns over finances and marital disputes were among callers’ top issues.

Callers also expressed their fear over the spread of Covid-19 and were worried about their health and future, he said. 

The hotline is manned by some 500 volunteers, some of whom have taken time off from private practice, Mr Lee said. 

The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s chief psychologist Vivienne Ng said that as of April 27, these Duty Care Officers (DCOs) have handled around 2,800 calls. 

The remaining calls to the hotline were redirected to other helplines that may better assist callers. For instance, those calling the hotline for social assistance were referred to ComCare so that their needs could be better addressed.

The largest proportion of calls, or 15 per cent, received by the hotline were about Covid-19-related measures, such as the Covid-19 Temporary Relief Fund, or queries pertaining to ministries such as the Manpower Ministry or the Trade and Industry Ministry.

In such cases, DCOs can link callers up with the relevant authorities to ensure that they get the help they need, she said at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The second largest category of calls (14 per cent) were from people dealing with anxiety, about issues such as their livelihood, families or health.

About 11 per cent of calls came from people who felt distressed due to their financial situation.

“We are concerned about more prolonged periods of recession and financial crisis, where depression is likely to be the main kind of mental condition that we would see in practice,” Ms Ng said.

The hotline has also heard from a few suicidal callers and in two cases, police were dispatched to prevent the callers from acting on their suicidal intent.

Ten per cent of callers also sought emotional support, Ms Ng said. 

A few of these callers were elderly, who feel alone and isolated during the circuit breaker period and want to speak to someone about their anxieties, she added.

The hotline also received calls relating to family and marital disputes (6 per cent), as well as family violence (4 per cent).

While those who have called the hotline face a range of issues, Ms Ng said that common themes have cropped up.

One such theme is isolation, as people struggle with loneliness and with anxiety about being alone as social distancing measures remain in effect.

“If it’s prolonged, it may lead to depression and some are already showing some symptoms of that and some have suicidal thoughts as well,” she said.

To help those with anxiety and other panic disorders, the DCOs on the phone are trained and can provide psychological first aid.

Those who wish to seek help from the National Care Hotline can call 1800-202-6868.

Related topics

Covid-19 DCO coronavirus MSF mental health

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