Reaching out to vulnerable groups can help build a better society

Contributed by RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO –

Are We Really Doing Enough To Build An Inclusive Society In Singapore?

shutterstock_124621366 — Every individual has a part to play in making Singapore a more inclusive society.

The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is going to conduct a study on the elderly, people with disabilities and those with mental illness to measure the quality of life of these groups (“Study to learn how happy the vulnerable are”; The Straits Times Saturday 1 November). I applaud their efforts in doing so.

Such an initiative gives a ray of hope for the mentally ill, the elderly and those with disabilities who often lead lonely and isolated lives.

Maids can’t get enough food

I found it disturbing reading a report in the newspaper recently of maids being given insufficient meals although they work long and draining hours. These foreigners leave their families back home and come here to earn a decent living, yet they are treated in this manner. If this situation is not put in check, maids will not want to come and work here, and we will be in “hot soup”.

Persons with mental illness cannot get a meal

Then our every own citizens – people with mental illness cannot even get a single meal. In Aljunied Crescent, a CD proprietor whose shop is directly opposite a coffee shop, pointed out a man to me who has mental illness and very often goes from table to table eating left-over food and drinks. I saw it myself, and it is really a shame that our citizens have to be in this predicament.

In the Ang Mo Kio 628 market, an elderly woman uses her bare hands to sweep the fallen leaves near the bus stop. I alerted the Ministry of Family and Social Development last year about this case and I am not sure what transpired after that. But, she is back again at the same area – doing the very same thing, and she looks very pitiful. Must our elderly folk spend their twilight years in this manner?

At the Upper Thompson Road coffee shop, another man with mental illness goes around tables asking people to give him money to buy food and drink, and it is a regular affair. He is often shooed away.

When people are deprived of meals, there is a real danger of them suffering from malnutrition which will then lead to other chronic illnesses.

Therefore, it is imperative that the upcoming NCSS study takes into account these citizens, for they are real people with real issues.

In the Straits Times report, it mentioned that results on a smaller scale of studies involving the elderly and disabled had been encouraging. But it is not all rosy for many of the vulnerable groups whose plights are unheard of.

When my wife dies, everything dies with her

Raymond and his late wife he loved so dearly, Doris.

On a personal level, it was extremely exhausting to secure support for my wife (she had schizophrenia, advanced arthritis and 4 other chronic illnesses) when she was alive. Why do I have to write endless appeals to the Government to get her; as well as for myself the much-needed support?

Now the situation is even worse. For when my wife dies, everything dies with her. Despite my pleading for assistance with volunteer cleaning services for my flat, asking for Befrienders from The Singapore Lion Befrienders to help with my loneliness and isolation, no one or organisation finds it in their heart to help. I get the same excuse every time: “We don’t have enough volunteers.” This uncaring attitude must be addressed – quickly and not swept under the carpet.

When my wife was alive, a church group came by every 2 months or so and cleaned up our flats. Now when she dies, they do not want to help.

Why do I have to be abandoned in this manner? When my wife does, does everything have to die with her?

The Singapore Government gives out lost of cash and in kind to several countries that have disasters. Well and good! But what about the small disasters that is taking place right in our backyards?

Many people adopt this attitude: “If it is not my business, I don’t need to know; and I don’t need to care.”

Recently, I had to contact Touch Home Care to ask for such services, and they said, “They will try to get it.”

Giving up an illustrious writing career due to lack of support

As a prolific writer who is passionate about writing as it is a form of healing, I will soon have to end my writing career as securing grants for the books that I hope to write is almost impossible. NCSS should look into supporting people like myself who have this strong desire to contribute to the arts in Singapore.

Just as important is for the community, Members of Parliament and their grassroots leaders to reach out to these vulnerable groups and offer support. That is what makes for a truly inclusive society.

By Raymond Anthony Fernando

Raymond Anthony Fernando is an advocate for the mentally ill. He volunteers with the Singapore Association for Mental Health, Silver Ribbon Singapore, CLUB HEAL and the Institute of Mental Health. He is Model Caregiver 2007 and Mental Health Champion 2010. Raymond attributes his success to his beloved wife, Doris, who has always been his greatest inspiration.