Support Groups

Support Groups - where kindred spirits lend a listening ear and a helping hand along the path towards recovery

Individuals and families who have undergone a major or debilitating illness or medical disorder will often find themselves at a loss on how to cope with the aftermath. There is a often a sense of helplessness, isolation, anxiety and stress. Although the treatment episode as prescribed by the clinical professionals ay be deemed to have been completed, often this is the juncture where the real healing and challenge of moving on begins.

Support groups are an important source of emotional and psychological support for patients, family members, loved ones and care givers. By encouraging active participation in discussion groups through meeting others with similar experiences, people find they are not alone in their battles.

Here is an opportunity to find out more about some of the support groups facilitated by SGH staff.

The Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Support Group

The group was first initiated by a few nurses assisting in the Post-BMT clinic at the Haematology Centre. There was a high level of stress, fear, anxiety, anger and depression noted in post-BMT patients, especially during the first three months following therapy. The need to come back for repeated therapy also often disrupted the patient's personal life and functional abilities.

Membership forms are obtainable from Tel: +65 6321 4722

The Breast Cancer Support Group

The Breast Cancer Support Group was formed in 1992 and now has about 30 former patients who volunteer to provide counselling and psychological support for breast cancer patients and their family members and caregivers. Members will also work closely with the Reach to Recovery Mastectomy Support Group of the Singapore Cancer Society to plan and facilitate programmes. The Breast Care Support Group meets monthly and can be reached at Tel: +65 6321 4474 for enquiries.

Brain Tumour Society (Singapore)

This support group is for patients with brain tumours and their caregivers. Find out more here>

Bariatric Surgery Support Group

Having problems with your weight? Tried dieting & exercises and they do not work? Together with healthy eating, lifestyle changes and bariatric surgery, they can IMPROVE your problems. It is also an ADDITIONAL TREATMENT for metabolic diseases related to obesity. Want to know more about bariatric surgery? JOIN US at our support group sessions!

Email: sgh.lifeobesity@sgh.com.sg

Tel: +65 6222 3322 (General Enquiries)

Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Singapore (CLAPAS)

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Singapore (CLAPAS) was formed with the assistance of cleft palate organisations in the United Kingdom and Australia and registered with the Registrar of Societies in Singapore in 1987. A detailed schedule of events is available from Ward 63 (Plastic Surgery), Telephone +65-6321 4631. The volunteer nurses are also involved with the FSG social activities, and provide secretarial support.

Light Weight Club Support Group

Parents expecting a normal infant are often in shock when their infant is admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It is the unit's taks to help the parents cope with the situation and assist in infant-mother bonding. Membership is open to parents of pre-term infants. Please contact us for more information at Tel: +65 6321 4540.

Osteoporosis Support Group

To provide a platform for patients and caregivers to gain knowledge about osteoporosis, acquiring the skills necessary to cope and deal with the disease and share information, feelings and goals with others in similar situation.

Contact: +65 6326 5837

Support for Eating Disorders Singapore (SEEDS)

SEDS is a support group for survivors as well as supporters of those coping with an Eating Disorder. It is held on the first Thursday every month at LIFE centre at SGH, in collaboration with Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and it is free of charge. The aim of SEDS is to provide a platform for patients and caregivers to gain knowledge about Eating Disorders, share information, feelings and goals with others in a similar situation. The support group is facilitated by doctors, specialty care nurse, psychologists, family therapists, dietitians and other allied health care professionals who are trained on Eating Disorders, and most importantly by patients and caregivers.

If you or your loved one needs help, please call +65 6321 4377 for an appointment. You can also email us at eatingdisorders@sgh.com.sg

Find out more about the support group>

SGH Neurocare Support Groups

Epilepsy Support Group

The support group collaborates and works closely the Singapore Epilepsy Foundation. For more information on various support group activities: please log onto: http://www.epilepsy.com.sg

Dementia Support Group

Dementia support group provides a platform for sharing of personal experiences and social meetings for you and your caregivers for the journey of living with dementia.

Parkinson Support Group

Parkinson’s disease is a life changing illness that affects many aspects of the person’s life. Some changes such as tremors and rigidity have observable qualities; however, other changes can only be described by the person with Parkinson’s disease. Support groups let you the patient, know that you are not alone and can provide you with an opportunity to share with others any information on individual experiences that you have. Members will also listen to what you have to say. Support groups can help you and your caregivers mentally and physically with group exercises, sharing of personal experiences and social meetings.

The support group collaborates and works closely with the Parkinson Society Singapore. Formerly known as Parkinson’s Disease Society (Singapore). The Parkinson’s Centre, established by the society and located at the void deck of Block 191, Bishan Street 13; offers a wide range of therapeutic programme and activities. For more information on the activities and programmes, please log onto: www.parkinsonsingapore.com or contact +65 6353 5338.

Stroke Club (SGH @BVH)

The Stroke Club was jointly set up by the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) and the Singapore General Hospital. A stroke club is a place where stroke survivors and their caregivers can share their experiences with one another.

Stroke Befriending Service at SGH @ BVH

The SNSA has teams of volunteers who visit stroke survivors at major hospitals. Volunteers will offer a listening ear, encouragement, support and advice to stroke survivors and their caregivers. Stroke survivors are strongly encouraged to join the befriending services to share their experience so that others may benefit. If you would like to find out more about the SGH Stroke Club and/ or Befriending Service, contact SNSA @ +65 6358 4138 or log on to their website at: www.snsa.org.sg