COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR MEN IN NEED OF HELP

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COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR MEN IN NEED OF HELP: 19.

Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) whether the Ministry has conducted studies and surveys of issues and problems involving men and masculinities with respect to different age groups, income levels, ethnic origins, etc; and (b) whether the Ministry will initiate and set up programmes and services to provide help, counselling services and crisis assistance to the men faced with problems, parallel to the various programmes and services that have been set up to help women in need.

The Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports (Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon) (for the Minister for Community Development, Youth and: Column: 611

Sports): Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has been conducting studies and surveys on issues affecting individuals and families in their various significant life stages. Gender comparisons, taking into account different age groups, ethnicity, etc, has been a standard feature of the analysis and recommendations. Most counselling services, crisis assistance and other family support services provided by Family Service Centres (FSCs), voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), etc, are non-gender specific. They target individuals and families who need assistance.

Most social workers take a systematic orientation of helping individuals and families. For example, in helping families deal with domestic violence issues, help is provided to both men and women. Notwithstanding this, we recognise that the men do face certain gender specific issues pertaining to their roles as husbands, fathers and as the main breadwinner.

MCYS has therefore worked with the VWOs to develop programmes to address such needs. For example, in response to observations that there has been an increase in male clientele at FSC and VWO-run services, we are now encouraging and supporting more male specific initiatives with VWOs and community partners who provide developmental, preventive as well as remedial programmes for men to help them address some of their concerns.

MCYS has also been supporting and working with VWOs, like the Centre for Fathering, Young Women Muslim Association, Jurong Family Service Centre and the Association for Devoted and Active Family Men (ADAFM) to run programmes for men. The Centre for Fathering runs programmes, like father-

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child bonding camps and talks for single men; PPIS-Jurong Family Service Centre and ADAFM conduct regular workshops and support groups for men.

Recently, MCYS provided support for "dear dad" and seminars supporting men involving in preparing and parenting and "dear child" photographic exhibition focusing on men and children jointly organised by the Swedish Institute.

MYCS will continue to monitor the needs in our community and work with the VWOs and people sector to introduce new programmes where necessary for both men and women.

Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim (Nominated Member): Sir, I was visiting the MCYS website and I saw a whole list of services to women in need. I would like to propose that the Ministry put up similar services to men in need.

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon: Mr Speaker, Sir, we can consider that.