Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support

Started as a programme under Beyond Social Services in 2005, Babes is now a standalone non-profit in Singapore focused on helping pregnant teenagers in crisis, and tackling the stigma against teenage pregnancy. Running on donations, it also has a strong force of volunteers who provide support and guidance to those seeking help. Between 2005 and 2018, the pro-choice agency helped over 600 teenage girls through their pregnancy journeys.

Backalley Barbers

Backalley Barbers is a ground-up project by Geylang Adventures, a business for social impact in Singapore. Started in 2014, volunteers learn skills from professionals, and give free haircuts to migrant workers, the elderly at nursing homes and the poor living in rental flat communities. To date, they have shaped more than 2,200 heads of hair.

Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics

More commonly referred to as HOME, this non-governmental organisation was set up in 2004 to assist migrant workers and to advocate for their rights in Singapore. Typical problems include wage disputes, workplace injuries, poor living conditions, and physical, verbal and psychological abuse. HOME works closely with government agencies, civic groups, corporations and other regional partners to provide its services more effectively and to reach out to more people in need. HOME also runs a shelter for domestic workers and an academy, where workers can pick up vocational skills, such as baking, sewing and financial management.

Project Chulia Street

Project Chulia Street is a non-profit group that aims to improve the well-being of migrant workers in Singapore. It organises social activities, called fiestas, at workers’ dormitories, during which volunteers interact with dormitory residents, while giving out bags of food and other necessities. During these events, the organisation also arranges free health checkups.

HealthServe

HealthServe provides affordable medical and dental care to migrant workers who have nowhere else to turn to. Through a network of volunteers that include medical professionals and caseworkers of all backgrounds, it provided over 11,000 medical and dental consultations in 2018 alone. It also provides social support to migrant workers in need, and is launching a mental health programme to help workers cope with issues, like post-traumatic stress and anxiety.

Dibashram

Dibashram is a cultural space for migrant workers set up by newspaper editor AKM Mohsin, who saw a need for workers to express themselves through art forms like poetry, plays and music. Poets who use his space have gone on to participate in events like the Migrant Worker Poetry Competition, and Mohsin has also published books of poems by the workers, giving voice to their trials and tribulations.