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A new helpline has been set up for those who need any kind of aid.
The number is easy to remember - 1800-222-0000 - and can be used by people to get any kind of help, whether it's paying bills, finding shelter or sorting out a family dispute.
Good Samaritans who wish to alert help agencies to those in need can also call the number.
Called ComCare Call, the 24/7 hotline was launched yesterday by Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan with this promise: 'There are no wrong doors, there are no wrong numbers.
'Just call this number, and we'll make sure help gets to you.'
He added: 'Many people have told us that sometimes they don't know where to go for help, who to ask, where to call, what information they need to have.'
Currently, those who need help can dial a variety of numbers - to reach Community Development Councils (CDCs), Family Service Centres (FSCs), and a host of other aid agencies.
The problem: Their numbers are not easily remembered, and people who are not sure who to call can end up going from one agency to another.
The new service, started by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) with partners from the People's Association and the National Council of Social Service, is not meant to replace existing hotlines.
Instead, it will be a convenient and helpful point of first contact.
A person who calls in will just need to state his problem before he is directed to the right agency. He will also be given crucial information, such as what documents he needs to furnish, to save time and trouble.
And since the helpline shares a database with the CDCs and FSCs, there will be no need for callers to keep repeating the details of their problems.
Another bonus: Hotline callers can expect to speak to someone, instead of being greeted by an automated answering service.
Only when a caller cannot get through will he be asked to leave a message for an operator to call back.
There will be a team of 18 operators taking turns to man the phones in three shifts, with four to seven on duty at any given time. Between them, they are able to speak the four official languages, as well as Chinese dialects.
The call centre, which cost $500,000 to be set up, can handle up to 6,000 calls a month.
Speaking at the launch of the new service yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan said ComCare Call is something that is needed even if the economy is doing well, as there are still people who need help.
He added that the Government will do more to help needy Singaporeans cope with rising inflation by pumping more money into the ComCare Fund.
'There continue to be families that need help. And we are committed to making sure they get the help,' he said, adding that details will be announced later.
