BUILDING SECTOR CAPABILITIES FROM WITHIN AND BEYOND
Raising Community Awareness of Protective Behaviours
In FY2024/25, MWS Family Service Centre (FSC) – Tampines worked to raise awareness of Protective Behaviours – an approach that empowers individuals, especially children, to recognise unsafe situations, set boundaries, and seek help. In addition to running its flagship programme Keeping My Body Safe for children aged 7-10, the team also equipped sector partners, parents, and future practitioners with the knowledge to become more informed and proactive in safeguarding themselves and others. A dedicated session for parents underscored the importance of reinforcing these behaviours at home in order to strengthen children’s safety and well-being. The team also hosted a cross-sharing session with Kampong Kapor FSC, fostering collaborative learning and strengthening sector capacity to deliver Protective Behaviours education.
Strengthening Sector Response to Domestic Violence
“I now see how Protective Behaviours not only teach children to stay safe, but also build their confidence and empower them to set boundaries and take action when needed, which is so important in today’s world.”
A staff member from Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre reflecting on a cross-sharing session on Protective Behaviours held at MWS Family Service Centre – Tampines
In June 2024, MWS Family Service Centre – Tampines conducted a two-part training for staff from Good Shepherd Crisis Shelter on the Safe & Together Model – a child-centred, domestic violence-informed framework that supports non-offending parents and holds perpetrators accountable. The sessions explored the impact of abuse on family dynamics, including coercive control, and equipped participants with tools to identify and communicate abuse patterns more effectively. Post-training consultations were also provided to support real-life casework.
Championing Mediation to Ease Divorce Stress
At the Divorce under Civil Law webinar held on 28 October 2024, part of Law Awareness Weeks@ CDC, Yeow Ming Zhen, Associate Director – Strategic Development of Family Services at MWS, highlighted the value of early mediation in easing the emotional and psychological toll of divorce and helping families begin healing sooner. Drawing on 14 years of sector experience, Ming Zhen stressed the importance of communication, especially with children – and warned of the risks of inadequate supervision during transitions, citing real-life cases of children turning to unhealthy coping strategies. She also pointed to community-based support that is available for couples considering or undergoing divorce. The session drew over 150 participants.
Advocating Supervision in Grief Work
Supervision is a critical component of palliative care, helping practitioners manage complex emotions, uphold ethical standards, and provide compassionate support. At the Grief and Bereavement Conference Singapore held on 7-8 November 2024, former MWS Principal Medical Social Worker Yeo Chee Wei shared how supervision equips practitioners to navigate grief dynamics and personal triggers that may arise during client interactions – enhancing both staff well-being and patient care. “For a patient who is experiencing grief and helplessness, a well-supervised grieving process can help him make sense of the loss, regain hope, and find his voice,” he said, adding that over time, this can also reshape the social worker’s narrative and improve the support offered.
Creating Localised Resources to Support Children
Since their publication in 2022, MWS’ illustrated books ‘The Sack’ and ‘The Girl Who Loved Yarn’ have been shared with the Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centres (FAM@FSCs) operated by other social service agencies, FSCs, schools, and public libraries. Developed by MWS FAM@FSC, the books address emotional stress and parental divorce respectively, from a child’s perspective using relatable local contexts. Both books aim to build emotional awareness and spark conversations to help children navigate challenging experiences.
Building Skills for Compassionate, Whole-Person Care
In FY2024/25, MWS Home Care & Home Hospice (HCHH) conducted palliative care training for staff at MWS Nursing Home – Eunos, covering the recognition and relief of end-of-life symptoms, including pain management, to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate hospice care. The MWS Chaplaincy team also trained MWS HCHH staff in spiritual care and attentive listening. A blend of lectures, role play, ward visits, and reflection sessions was used during the training to build skills for empathetic and respectful engagement.