National mental health helpline, textline ready by mid-2025

Trained counsellors to address common concerns, offer listening ear via phone, text

- Joyce TeoSenior and Lee Li Ying

A new National Mental Health Helpline and Textline service offering psychological first aid for people facing mental distress will be operational by mid-2025.

Via a phone call or text, trained counsellors will address common mental health concerns and offer a listening ear, along with brief counselling for those dealing with challenging situations or displaying mild symptoms of mental health conditions.

Those who need more extensive or long-term mental health support will be referred to relevant mental health services, said Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health and Digital Develop ment and Information, on Sept 16.

He was speaking at the Young Singaporeans Conference held by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

He said the service will include a textline hosted on mindline.sg because some individuals may prefer seeking help via text. Details, such as whether the hotline and textline will be operational 24/7, are not yet available.

The new service is in line with the nation's efforts to make mental health a key priority.

Singapore launched a national mental health and well-being strategy in October 2023 to give more timely support to those in need.

A new National Mental Health Office comprising officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education will be fully established by 2025. It will oversee the implementation of the strategy and future mental healthcare developments.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Janil pointed to data that reflected worrying concerns about youth mental health.