The Straits Times reported recently on the Budget 2017 speech, given by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in February. The budget includes multiple initiatives to aid people with poor mental health in Singapore. People with disabilities and their caregivers will also receive some extra support, as well as aid to ease the transition back into the workforce.
Support for Disabled Singaporeans
Thanks to the Enabling Masterplan discussed during the budget speech, there will be a new three-pronged approach to treating and supported disabled Singaporeans. The government promised additional spending for support initiatives, employment transitions, and caregiver assistance. This is good news for people with mental disabilities, as well as those with physical issues.
Job Training and Workforce Transition Aid
Before the 2017 budget, certain job preparation programmes and training paths were only open to high-functioning graduates of special education schools. Now, with the extra funding from the government, others with greater disabilities may also be eligible for the workforce training programmes.
Caregiver Support Centre
Caregivers often struggle with despair and depression themselves as they cope with the reality of their loved ones’ mental illnesses, emotional struggles, or physical disabilities. In recognition of this fact, the Singapore budget for 2017 includes funding for a new Disability Caregiver Support Centre where visitors can get training, find support from peer groups, and obtain fresh information to make daily tasks easier.
Polyclinics with Mental Health Care Services
The Finance Minister also promised another $150 million in spending on mental health in Singapore over the next five years. Polyclinics will make mental health care services more attainable to broader groups of people.
Dementia-Friendly Communities
The elderly often suffer from depression and mental illnesses related to ageing. In an effort to ease the care situation for these older Singapore residents, the Ministry of Health announced dementia-friendly communities, to be established in Hong Kah North, Macpherson and Yishun. In these communities, residents will have access to services, businesses, and support systems designed to make life better and safer for those with dementia.
Funds for Community Sports
Staying active and positively involved with peers is one way to help prevent certain kinds of mental illness. To encourage the mental health and physical health of Singapore residents, the government is reserving $50 million to boost funding for community sports. The money will be channeled through the SportCares Programme and the Sports-In-Precinct Programme. Fifty million in grants and $50 million in donation matching funds are also included in the budget.
Treatment with a Local Singapore Psychiatrist
At Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic, we are thrilled whenever the government recognises the need for excellent mental health care throughout Singapore. If you or a loved one struggle with a possible mental condition, come to Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic to receive top-notch care from our skilled Singapore psychiatrists. We offer a broad variety of therapies and holistic treatments to help you regain your mental balance and rediscover joy and purpose in your life.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times, 20 Feb 2017
