First Enabling Services Hub – Persons with Disabilities and their Caregivers to get support closer to home

14 AUGUST 2023 – The first Enabling Services Hub was officially opened today at Tampines West Community Club by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, who is also the Adviser to Tampines Grassroots Organisations. It is a partnership between SG Enable and SPD. The ESH will reach out to residents with disabilities and their families living in Tampines and Bedok.

Enabling Services Hubs aim to develop a stronger ecosystem of support for persons with disabilities in the community with befriending services, social recreational activities, and courses for persons with disabilities. Through collaborations with community partners such as People’s Association, SG Cares Volunteer Centres, CaringSG, schools and libraries, clients and the community will be able to participate in activities together and nurture a more inclusive culture within the neighbourhood.

ESH@Tampines started its community outreach early this year to better understand the needs of residents with disabilities and their caregivers. ESH@Tampines will continue to work with local community partners in Tampines and Bedok to curate programmes and services to serve the needs of the residents. Examples of ESH@Tampines programmes and services include community activities (Health Promotion Board workout classes, volunteering at public libraries), caregiver support and training, peer support networks, and respite care services.

Ms Ku Geok Boon, Chief Executive Officer, SG Enable, said: “Setting up the Enabling Services Hub brings support services closer to persons with disabilities and their families, offering them greater convenience and access. Equally important, these hubs promote more inclusive communities by rallying neighbours, volunteers, and community partners to come together to support persons with disabilities and their families.”

SPD has been operating early intervention services in Tampines and Bedok. Through ESH@Tampines, SPD aims to build on its networks to reach out to more residents with disabilities and strengthen support for them and their families.

Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer, SPD, said: “Through the ESH, we can offer an alternative service delivery and engagement option for people with disabilities and their families in the community who are not actively enrolled in care or vocational services. In addition, ESH serves as an important touchpoint in addressing the concerns about the quality of life of persons with disabilities and the receiving of respite or support for their caregivers. We thank MSF and SG Enable for their trust and confidence in appointing SPD as their first ESH partner.”

The establishment of ESHs is part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030 and takes a regional approach to bring community support services closer to the homes of persons with disabilities and their caregivers. ESHs provide easier access to referral services while offering more opportunities for residents with disabilities living in the region to participate in lifelong learning and community activities.

For more information, members of the public can visit www.enablingguide.sg/esh or email eshtamp@spd.org.sg