16, Whampoa Drive, Singapore 327725 Tel : 6254-3006 Fax : 6253-7375
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Social Service

Services provided for members

- Emotional Support
- Financial Support
- Referrals to CEL/NCSS for Financial Assistance
- Medical Support


Background

Although Singapore has become an affluent country, there are still pockets of people who are unable to have even their basic daily basic needs satisfied. They are the neglected elderly and people with severe disabilities.

The Association has members who are economically active and members who have ample familial support. But there are still some who could not be employed at all and even lack social support network to the extent that they have to live by themselves despite their physical disabilities. This is the group of people that needs the most financial and emotional help.


Our Aim

We therefore aim to provide our members with emotional and financial support. In addition, we also provide some medical support.


Emotional Support

  1. Counseling Service

    Members can approach the Social Services Department for free counseling services. Services include teaching members to (a) relax and manage stress (b) manage their problems (c) relate better with their families, employers and friends, and (d) gain insight about the own behaviour.

  2. Befriender Service

    Lonely members are matched with volunteers who make regular visits and brighten up the lives of these members. Anyone who wants to volunteer as a befriender may contact our Social Services staff.

  3. Other Activities Groups

    There are many members who live alone or live a life with little social activities. The Social Services Department would be organising activities to create opportunities for members with similar concerns to meet and make friends with one another. To do this we need volunteers. If you are interested in helping to organize the group activities, please feel free to call the Social Services Department.


Financial Support

  1. Food Ration and Distribution

    Members from needy families are given food vouchers bi-monthly to supplement their meagre household income.

    The Association also receives food items such as rice, biscuits and beverages from public donors to distribute them to members in needy households. We have a team of dedicated volunteers to help with the physical distribution.

  2. Subsidy for Purchase or Repair of Mobility and Independent Living Aids

    Mobility aids like wheelchairs and walking frames, and independent living aids like commodes, are essentials for the physically disabled. To make sure that our members are not deprived of such means of physical assistance, the Association provides subsidies for members who are financially disadvantaged, to purchase or repair such damaged equipment.


    Referrals to CEL/NCSS for Financial Assistance

    The Association’s members are eligible for many subsidy schemes offered by the Centre for Enabled Living Ltd (CEL) / National Council of Social Services (NCSS). The Social Services Department helps to verify members’ eligibility for such subsidy and submit the applications on their behalves. Most popular amongst members are the following subsidy schemes:

    1. Special Assistance Fund (SAF) by NCSS

      The objective of this fund is to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities to purchase assistive equipment or technical aids for mobility or rehabilitative purposes.

      More information is available at: http://www.ncss.org.sg/vwocorner/saf.asp

    2. Traffic Accident Fund by CEL

      The Traffic Accident Fund (TAF) is a financial assistance scheme for people who have survived a road traffic accident but have acquired a permanent or temporary disability as a result.

      More information is available at: http://www.cel.sg/AssistanceScheme16.aspx

    3. Assistive Technology Fund by CEL

      Assistive technology (AT) devices can help individuals with disabilities study or work alongside their peers. These devices help to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Some examples of AT devices are computer-assisted aids and hearing aids. The AT Fund provides financial assistance to help meet the high costs of buying these assistive devices.

      More information is available at: http://www.cel.sg/AssistanceScheme4.aspx


    Medical Support

    1. Medical Consultation

      Every quarter, volunteer doctors provide free consultation services at the Association's premises. Members suffering from bedsores, spasms, pain or urinary problems can take advantage of the opportunities to have their health checked.