Suicide is the leading cause of death in Singapore for young persons aged 10-29. On average, about 1-2 lives are lost each day due to suicide. In 2017, 35% of suicide death involved elderly persons. Suicide is the most preventable death, and the impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends and the community is devastating. The loss of human potential is also enormous.
Established in 1969, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) is a charity with IPC status dedicated to providing emotional support to individuals facing a crisis & thinking about suicide, as well as helping those affected by suicide. Its work focuses on crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Services include a 24-hour Hotline manned by trained volunteers; Email Befriending; professional counselling by certified counsellors; an outreach programme; support group for family members and loved ones affected by suicide deaths, as well as evidence-based research. The organisation also runs training programmes and awareness talks in suicide prevention & intervention for professionals, youths and the general public.
To meet the evolving needs of the community and the increasing demand for its services, it needs to embark on capacity building to broaden the range of services, uplift its service quality and enhance the physical space, so as to better serve the community.
A Flag Day will be organised on 3 November 2018, hoping to raise funds for its service enhancement project.
Timing: There will primarily be 2 shifts: 9.00am to 2.00pm; 2.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: Bishan Junction 8 or SOS HQ (10 Cantonment Close #01-01 Singapore 080010)
To signup as a volunteer, please go to: https://sosflagday18.herokuapp.com/signup