Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025

By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.

- Lee Li Ying

The party is joining hands with 13 community partners to refine and roll out mental health initiatives for the neighbourhoods.

This collaboration was announced by PAP Mental Health Group co-chairman Janil Puthucheary on Oct 10 at a networking session to connect partners, advocates, people with mental health conditions and MPs. The session was held at NTUC Centre to mark World Mental Health Day.

Currently, the PAP has peer support networks in many constituencies to help those with mental health issues, PAP Mental Health Group co-chairman Wan Rizal said.

But these support networks are activated only when a case is raised, such as during a Meet-thePeople Session.

It is hoped that the mental health ambassadors can go a step further to help promote mental wellness within the community.

"This is important because mental health issues are so multifaceted, and it's not something we can solve in one Meet-the-People Session alone. This is where greater support from such ambassadors will value-add to our support for residents," Dr Rizal said.