Mental illness is a lonely illness. Many patients in IMH's long stay wards are rejected by their families and have no friends and visitors. The presence of volunteers in the wards provides an opportunity to our patients to build friendships and have an alternative to the usual therapist-patient relationship. Volunteers show them that they are not forgotten and forsaken by society.

Our volunteers have taken our patients to many places of interest and spent many joyful and memorable moments with them. Our patients look forward to their visits. The volunteers to the mentally ill group certainly play a vital role in helping to normalise their lives. Their contribution is one that will make a significant difference to the lives of our patients.

Besides adding a bright ray of hope and sunshine to our patients' daily lives, you will find volunteering an enriching and rewarding exercise.

Find out:

• Who can volunteer?
• What can I do and contribute as a volunteer?
• How can I become a volunteer?

Who can volunteer?

Anyone above the age of 16 years and who has the desire to help; either as an individual or as a group, can volunteer at our hospital. You may also choose to help as a volunteer during festive occasions only.

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What can I do and contribute as a volunteer?

• Conduct social and recreational activities such as indoor and outdoor games, singing, and dancing, karaoke, drama, and outings to places of interest.
  
• Help in rehabilitative activities e.g. arts and craft, grooming, basic social skills, painting, teaching patients the use of public amenities and taking public transport.
  
• Plan, organise or participate in hospital ad hoc projects for patients' activities.
  
• Spend time with patients. This include keeping patients company by talking to them or taking a walk with them and providing a listening ear.

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How can I become a volunteer?

If you want to make a difference to the lives of our patients, simply fill up the volunteer application form and return it to IMH.

Click here to view some photos of our volunteers caring for patients

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