Clarity Singapore is expected to open its permanent service centre on Yishun Ring Road at the end of October or in early November.The Catholic charity, which caters to mental-health needs, will move from its temporary premises at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea to the 217-sq-m facility situated about 1 km from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
The new premises, to be located in the void deck of Block 854, is a 10-minute walk from Khatib MRT station.
The move is in line with the organisation’s aims to provide mental health care services to residents in the northern region of Singapore, according to Clarity.
The new centre will have three counselling rooms and a meeting/training room. There will also be a hall for talks and workshops on psycho-education, mental wellness, and for relaxation exercises and social activities.
According to executive director Grace Ang, Clarity will increase its counselling and psychotherapy services, start support groups, and run new mental health/wellness programmes together with other community health services providers and social agencies.
The organisation expects to be part of the Community Intervention Team (COMIT) that provides counselling therapy for dementia patients and caregivers as part of Singapore’s first mental health network, called Temasek Cares-iCommunity@North.
Aside from training volunteers, Clarity is also aiming to give training in mental health to social and religious organisations when needed.
Ms Ang said that with its new premises, Clarity hopes to serve at least 200 people and train 10 new volunteers a year. Clarity is also looking to hire counsellors, psychologists, a programme coordinator and a head of programmes.
The centre will be opened from Mondays to Fridays from 9am-6pm. It will also open on certain evenings and Saturday mornings if the need arises, Ms Ang added.
Clarity Singapore’s website is at www.clarity-singapore.org
By Darren Boon
darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
