This September is Suicide Prevention Month and I am supporting The Samaritans of Singapore, a nonprofit charity organisation, to raise awareness and support for mental health.

I lost my aunt due to depression and suicide a few years back. Mental health is a topic we hardly talk about due to our culture, and I could not bear for anyone to go through such pain and lost like I have.

More can be done to support people who are going through depression.

The #HOWRU Virtual Walkathon signifies the start of that journey. Reaching out for help is not easy, as part of the community, we can be the ones to check in with those around us and connect with them.

How are you today?

If you are based in Singapore, you can find the support through various channels that you are most comfortable with here: https://www.sos.org.sg/about/our-services

For overseas friends, please reach out to your local communities support group on ways you can help or seek help.

Spread the love and ask someone #HOWRU today.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Beyond creating conversations around mental wellbeing, we can take active steps to support those around us.

The #HOWRU Virtual Walkathon signifies the start of that journey. Reaching out for help is not easy, as part of the community, we can be the ones to check in with those around us and connect with them. During September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, we urge you to take the time to strengthen the bonds with your loved ones in any way you can, be it through having a meal together or by having a walk together in the late afternoon (in person or even virtually).

Launched last year amidst the start of the pandemic, the #HOWRU Virtual Walkathon garnered the commitment of 4,013 individuals who walked more than 180 million steps. This year, noting the lasting impact of the pandemic we are joining hands with Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, Samaritans Thailand and The Samaritans (Hong Kong) to amplify the combined work that we do in suicide prevention.

Join us the Virtual Walkathon in groups of two or more. At these uncertain times, let us encourage one another that we will be on this journey together.

Every step we take as a community brings us closer to reducing the stigma of suicide, mental health and early help seeking.

Visit www.howru.sg for more information!

Founded in 1969, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) is the leading suicide prevention agency in Singapore. Secular and not for profit, we provide 24-hour confidential emotional support to individuals facing a crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. Through our programmes and services focused on suicide prevention, intervention, postvention, we hope to provide timely support to those in distress.

From 2016 to 2021, an average of 402 lives were lost to suicide in Singapore annually. This equates to more than one suicide death per day. With discussions surrounding mental health and suicide prevention more prevalent than ever, now is the time for us to make a change together.

WHAT YOUR DONATIONS CAN DO
With a 17.4% increase in the number of hotline calls answered and a 120% increase in the number of CareText messages replied, your donations will be important in helping SOS to match the rising demand for support amongst at-risk individuals across Singapore.

A donation of $1,000 can help SOS train our volunteers to take up 190 hotline calls, 290 CareText chats, or further support our CareMail platform or counselling sessions. Beyond enhancing our programmes and services, your donations will also allow us to continue providing our resources free of charge to those who need it most.

All funds donated will be dedicated towards SOS' enhancement and expansion of services and infrastructure. SOS also reserves all rights to pledge funds toward our Signature events.