This post was originally published as a press release on 9 March 2018.

If you call 1800-777 5555, a professionally trained AWARE “Helpliner” will be on the line to be your listening ear. She will provide you with emotional support, information and referrals to other help centres – all at no cost.

This service, run by AWARE, is the Women’s Helpline, which for over 25 years has been Singapore’s only specialised hotline catered to women. Now, you can also request for a Helpliner who speaks in a language you’re comfortable in: English, Malay, Tamil or Mandarin.

From this International Women’s Day, AWARE will be embarking on an island-wide campaign to bring the expanded, multi-language capabilities of the Women’s Helpline to all women in Singapore (regardless of citizenship status). The launch will kick off with a community lunch event at 5 Dover Crescent on 10 March at 1pm.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen an average of 3,000 annual calls from women, on matters pertaining to relationships, work, motherhood, marriage and divorce, abuse, and other personal issues such as mental health and wellbeing,” said Anisha Joseph, Head of AWARE’s Support Services. “Tens of thousands of women have been calling the Helpline for over two decades for support and information, and demand for our services has seen a steady increase over the years.”

“We’re heartened to see this organic growth and we’re ready to reach out to more women – specifically, ethnic minority women and women who are more comfortable conversing in non-English languages. The ethos of our Helpline has always been to provide women with judgment-free support and helpful resources for the options they have, whatever situation they may be facing. We also recognise the cultural, economic and social barriers women may face in their day-to-day lives, and our Helpliners are well-trained to support callers across these differences.”  

“Women can reach out to us for any reason, and nothing is too small to seek support for. Whether someone is hurting you, you’re going through difficulties with your family or marriage, you’re facing stress or anxiety, or you simply need a listening ear, the Women’s Helpline is there to help,” said Ms. Joseph.

The Women’s Helpline launch event will be hosted by Fiza O, radio DJ at Mediacorp’s RIA 897FM, and Jaenani Netra, Vasantham TV personality, and will introduce the wider community to AWARE’s menu of critical services, which includes counselling, legal clinic and support group services. Attendees can learn more about the Helpline and other services through activities and face-to-face interviews with Helpliners. Limited number of vouchers for free counselling sessions will also be given out.

“I feel that it’s important for women to set aside their fears and doubts and reach for help. With institutions such as AWARE that provides services for women, it makes it easier for us to confide and get help,” said Fiza O.

Kim Underhill, President of Daughters of Tomorrow, will lead a dialogue about the importance of seeking help by sharing her own personal journey and the pivotal role that support played in enabling her to overcome challenges. She said, “Resilience does not have to be lonely. It can come from the willingness to seek help.”

MP Foo Mee Har of West Coast GRC, will make an appearance to support the launch of the revamped Women’s Helpline. “No matter what the circumstances, support is always beneficial. I hope with services such as the Women’s Helpline, more women will be able to receive the help and get the information they need.”