The expanded Circle of Care @ South East programme seeks to deepen volunteer engagement and bolster support for residents in South East who need it most.

By Ms Bavisha Assodani, CGH

With the evolving demographics and community needs in Singapore, Changi General Hospital (CGH) and the South East Community Development Council (SECDC) are strengthening their joint community care network under the Neighbours for Active Living Programme (Neighbours) through the expansion of their volunteer befriending programme. Now known as Circle of Care @ South East, the programme aims to deepen volunteer engagement, drive health literacy and help more residents to get well, keep well and age well within their communities. The expanded programme was announced at the Neighbours Volunteers’ Appreciation Day 2025, held in celebration of the contributions by trained volunteers who have provided companionship, monitored health and assisted vulnerable senior residents with essential care tasks.

The new Circle of Care @ South East programme logo was unveiled at the Neighbours Volunteers’ Appreciation Day 2025 by CGH and SECDC.

L-R: Clin Assoc Prof How Choon How, Chairman, Division of Continuity Care, CGH and Director, SingHealth Office of Regional Health, CGH Campus; Assoc Prof Siau Chuin, Chairman Medical Board, CGH; Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman, then-Mayor of South East District; Clin Prof Ng Kee Chong, Chief Executive Officer, CGH; Mr Roy Chew, General Manager (GM), SECDC.

Circle of Care @ South East builds on the success of the Neighbours programme pioneered by CGH and SECDC, which has played a pivotal role in supporting seniors with complex health and social needs through its holistic, person-centred approach. By integrating healthcare with community-driven social support, the initiative has successfully reduced hospital readmissions and improved overall wellbeing.

To serve a wider range of residents under the expanded Circle of Care initiative, CGH plans to scale up volunteer training through a ‘train-the-trainer’ approach that will enable knowledge transfer and create a multiplier effect, driving health literacy in the community. Volunteers will be activated as ‘Community Health Champions’, equipped with essential knowledge in areas such as diet and nutrition, exercise and mental wellness to better support residents’ health journeys, and help them keep well at home. In addition, there will also be opportunities for volunteers to contribute their area of knowledge and skills, besides befriending. For example, volunteers can support community outreach efforts through the organisation of health initiatives and events, and contribute towards health education.

“This sustainable model fosters long-term community engagement, ensuring that vital health knowledge is shared, practised and sustained within neighbourhoods — ultimately building a more informed and health-conscious society,” says Clinical Associate Professor How Choon How, Chairman, Division of Continuity Care, CGH.

The Neighbours Wellbeing Coordinators conducting a home visit to check on a resident under the Circle of Care @ South East programme.

One such volunteer, Mdm Salmiah, joined the volunteer befriending programme in 2016 after being inspired by the dedication of the Neighbours Wellbeing Coordinators (WBCs) and the volunteer in taking care of her late husband. She was matched with Mdm Mahhizon, a senior with multiple chronic conditions who lived alone.

Over eight years, their relationship has evolved from volunteer-resident to close friends. “Being a volunteer with the programme has been an incredibly rewarding journey,” shared Mdm Salmiah. “While helping Mdm Mahhizon with her health and wellbeing for eight years, we have forged a friendship. From checking in regularly, and providing reminders for medications and medical appointments, to providing emotional support and companionship, we are helping seniors like Mdm Mahhizon to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Mdm Mahhizon has become a companion, and I am thankful that the meaningful volunteer befriending programme has brought us together.”

Working closely with volunteers like Mdm Salmiah, CGH WBCs with expertise in nursing, social work or healthcare provide timely interventions for any health concerns faced by the residents and escalate cases that need medical attention to the doctors at CGH. “At CGH, our WBCs are more than just healthcare professionals — they are dedicated advocates in building a more activated and empowered community for residents to take ownership of their health and wellbeing,” says Ms Shirlyn Su Chang, Senior Assistant Director, Department of Health and Social Integration, CGH. “Through initiatives like Circle of Care @ South East, CGH and SECDC will continue to champion sustainable community engagement and integrated care, in line with population health,” adds Clinical Associate Professor How Choon How.