Expanding Structured Peer Support Programmes for Adults with Anxiety or Depression

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Government plans to expand structured peer support programmes for adults with anxiety or depression, given recent findings that most such adults do not seek professional help but are open to peer-based care; and (b) how will the Ministry ensure that these programmes are quality-assured and able to refer participants to formal services when needed.

While expanding peer support efforts across various settings, the Government also ensures that peer supporters are well-trained. To date, through institutes of higher learning and workplaces, the Health Promotion Board has trained more than 33,000 peer support individuals. It plans to train an additional 5,000 peer supporters each year for the next five years.

There are other peer support initiatives, such as the Well-being Champions Network and Well-Being Circles, which provides participants with training. The trainings are guided by the National Mental Health Competency Training Framework, which sets out the knowledge and skills required, and when and where to refer individuals to professional help if needed.