Rebuilding Lives

FY 2009-2010

YouthReach is a programme by the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) that helps children and youths with mental illness to cope with their illness and to reintegrate into society. With the support of Temasek Cares, SAMH will add a mentorship component and a 24-hour helpline to the programme. The enhanced programme will reach out to more than 165 children and youth with mental illness and 340 caregivers.

YouthReach was started in 2006 as a response to a lack of community-based support for children and youths with mental illness. The children and youths in the programme are 18 years old and younger. Though they suffer from mental illness, they have the capability to develop to their maximum potential and be reintegrated with their family and the community.

The enhanced programme works closely with the family, caregivers, and other community partners. The child or youth is taught social and functional competencies needed to function effectively and safely within the family and the community. The family members and caregivers are also taught to understand and manage the child’s or youth's mental illness.