HealthServe, a local charity in Singapore, has intensified its efforts to improve the mental wellbeing of migrant workers by expanding its peer support network. Since its inception in 2021, the non-profit has trained nearly 1,300 migrant workers to act as peer support leaders, empowering them to assist colleagues with mental health challenges.
The initiative aims to provide preventative and early intervention support within the migrant worker community. Through regular workshops conducted in native languages such as Tamil, Bengali, Burmese, and Mandarin, these peer support leaders learn to identify signs of distress, offer comfort, and direct peers to professional resources when necessary.
One of the peer support leaders, Alauddin MD, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who has lived and worked in Singapore for 14 years, shared how the training helped him better understand mental health. “The training taught me how to manage my own stress and change my lifestyle, like jogging and cycling,” he said. Since completing the program, Alauddin has provided support to seven colleagues, offering a listening ear to those facing financial, work, or family-related stress.
Alauddin emphasized the value of peer support, particularly for those who may be hesitant to seek help from employers or local Singaporeans due to language barriers or cultural differences. “Some people are shy about expressing their problems. This program is tailored for us; if they don’t want to talk to their bosses, they can come to us,” he noted.
HealthServe stays connected with its trained peer leaders, offering guidance as needed. Jeffrey Chua, the head of HealthServe’s mental health training and community outreach, highlighted the challenges faced by migrant workers who are far from home, facing language and cultural differences. “This peer support system is crucial as it allows workers to encourage one another, offering a sense of solidarity and belonging,” he said.
In addition to the peer support network, HealthServe operates a 24-hour helpline for migrant workers dealing with issues such as pay disputes, workplace injuries, or family crises. The service, staffed by trained helpline specialists, provides immediate support and guides callers to appropriate resources. Last year, the helpline received approximately 3,300 calls, with one in five cases requiring further intervention, such as counseling or referral to other organizations like the Ministry of Manpower or the Institute of Mental Health.
HealthServe’s outreach initiatives have also grown, with around 6,000 migrant workers reached this year, up from 4,000 in 2023. The charity has seen increased interest from workers seeking to learn more about mental health and volunteer as peer support leaders.
“These efforts are helping workers understand that they are not alone in their struggles,” said Chua. “It’s about giving them the tools they need to find help and support when they need it most.”
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