2 agencies join forces to boost mental well-being among healthcare workers

SINGAPORE - Two agencies have teamed up to promote mental well-being among healthcare workers - an area which they feel is "under-served".

The Healthcare Services Employees Union, which represents more than 40,000 healthcare workers, and the Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (Singapore) formalised their collaboration on Tuesday afternoon (Sept 26).

The move was supported by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

They plan to start by addressing the stigma of mental health issues, and will offer counselling sessions for healthcare workers.

They also want to raise professional standards of psychotherapists.

"Though it is more acceptable for most people now compared with a decade ago, receiving counselling and psychotherapy services can still remain somewhat of a stigma for the individual," said Ms Abigail Lee, president of the association.

The association is one of NTUC's U Associates, a network of professional groups meant to reach out to working professionals.

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