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Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

SUPPORTING MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH PEERS, COMMUNITY AND INFORMAL SUPPORT NETWORKS

10 September 2026

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1281 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER 
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2026  

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament 
Dr Choo Pei Ling 
MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC 

Question No. 2044 
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how does the Ministry assess the role of peer, community and informal support networks in supporting mental well-being; (b) whether there are plans to further strengthen lower-barrier avenues of support for individuals who may not be ready to seek professional help; and (c) how such efforts complement formal mental health services.  

Answer 

1       Peer, community and informal support networks are an important part of Singapore’s mental health ecosystem. Family members, friends, colleagues, peers and community volunteers are often the first to notice when someone is struggling. They can provide emotional support, encourage early help-seeking and where appropriately, offer initial support while guiding individuals to suitable services.    

2       Many individuals may not be ready to seek professional help immediately. To provide lower-barrier avenues of support, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has established First Stop for Mental Health services, including the national mindline 1771 and mindline.sg. These services allow individuals to seek information, guidance and support, including anonymously if they prefer. Where needed, they also encourage individuals to seek formal mental health services and facilitate referrals with the individual’s consent.   

3       Beyond these services, we are strengthening community capability through efforts to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma and equipping more people with basic mental health skills. These include programs such as the Health Promotion Board’s Peer Support Training Programme and the Agency for Integrated Care’s online Mental Health Awareness modules.   

4       These efforts complement, rather than replace, formal mental health services. Together, they support earlier identification of concerns, encourage timely help-seeking, and ensure that individuals receive the level of care that best meets their needs—from community and peer support for those with milder concerns, to professional assessment and treatment where required.