Samaritans of Singapore - 10 Cantonment Cl

I just want to say that if someone is in a vulnerable headspace but they're asking for help, the last thing someone who is helping this person would recommend to call 999. My friend, called the hotline number and asked for help feeling unsafe in their own home because they knew where their medications were and they didn't trust themselves. The first call was helpful, a lady that recommended my friend to wait for a while and if it persists my friend can call again so SoS can assist them into getting an ambulance. My friend calls a second time, feeling uneasy and dissociating. A man, straight up recommending them to just call 999 or 995 without even considering that any mentions of thinking about suicide can land my friend in jail since attempt of suicide is still somewhat a crime in this god forsaken country. So of course, my friend absolutely dumbfounded with the information they got called 999. My friend, thanks to that man on the hotline, now got a shiny police record and a target on their back for risks of maybe ending their life just because of a clumsy, disregarding volunteer. Do better, please. :) Edit after three days and getting updates: My friend reassured that they will not be getting anything on the police record, that the law for people who attempted suicide but failed have changed since 2020. But nonetheless, tell the person in distress in detail about what will happen if they call these numbers.

Some of the volunteers here truly do more damage than harm. Tried twice, first caller heard my suicde plan and kept asking where were my parents (?) when they have already passed on. Second (male) volunteer named Russell went motivational coach style (why cant u get out of bed? just do it.) gave me some unsolicited advice on not to see any counsellors and just depend on myself. possibly overworked or unethical

Don't waste your time on calling. Imagine going through so much stress in life, thinking about ending it and then finally having the courage to find an outlet only to find the caller talk to you, condescendingly, like you are crazy! The only thing they keep saying is to pull myself together and get my life right. Somehow I just felt like another nut case for the counsellor to tick off his list and just move onto another case... Makes me wonder if they are just doing this to make themselves feel good that they are "helping others"... 1 star only because I can't do 0 stars. Seriously, just remove this organization... why does it even exist.

Don't give up. Someone is always there for you, even of it takes a while for them to answer. It took 6 calls before someone was available but in the end it was really worth it. Kendra was really nice and she just let me cry and she didn't ask loads of questions or force me to talk or anything and she was really nice and let me cry. Thank you so much. I hope that I can join you someday and help with the work that you are doing. I think you guys are doing your best and just... thanks a lot.

I would like to commend that Sandra who took my call was really helpful. She understands my issues and suggested solutions on how to deal with my fear and anxiety at work. I now feel more confident in going to work.

Whenever i use the updated chat function it sometimes dosent send the message to the volunteer and it gets pretty annoying. Pls fix this malfunction and other then that its ok

just dont try calling. its a waste of time for everyone. better save the energy for self harm than talking to condescending, unfeeling people. if they wanna rebuke saying people are "ungrateful", then i really have nothing to say. since they are the ones who chose to volunteer, but they make it seem like a joke. even if people really do die because of calling them, they wont be held responsible. absolutely disgusting.

Unfortunately, I have just got to know someone who tried to call SOS for assistance, but receiving NO help practically. Besides being a listening ear and being a suicide prevention line, the staffs cannot do anything AT ALL, and they cannot render practical support/advise in terms of accommodation, income etc.