Viriya Community Services

19/08/2026

Grief counselling is not about being told to move on.

It is about having a supported space to carry your loss — without having to do it alone.

If you have been wondering what it involves, here is what to expect from that first session.

https://viriya.org.sg/blogs/understanding-grief-counselling/

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences — and one of the most isolating. Whether you have lost someone to death, or are grieving a relationship,

14/08/2026

Junior Explorer Project (JEP) is a volunteer-run community project under the Children & Youth Development Programme @ Whispering Hearts FSC

Designed for children aged 7–9, JEP uses group reading and hands-on activities to help children learn through books, language, and play. In our very first session, volunteers read The Little Rude Riding Hood with the children and guided them in identifying helpful and unhelpful behaviours - reinforcing values such as politeness, courtesy, and showing care towards family and friends.

We are also heartened to share that, through a partnership with local publisher Epigram, our children will be exposed to more local literature and authors in future JEP sessions! Titles include Why Do the Chinese Shout Yam Seng? and Harry Grows Up: The Early Years of Lee Kuan Yew, among many others.

13/08/2026

Many families in Singapore are managing elderly care costs without knowing how much financial support is available to them.

From Medifund to ElderFund to community programmes — the landscape could be more navigable than it looks, with the right guidance.

Here is a practical starting point:
https://viriya.org.sg/blogs/financial-assistance-for-elderly-care/

When a parent or elderly family member needs more care than the family can manage alone, the financial implications can be significant. From home care

12/08/2026

CNA's latest "IN FOCUS" piece – What happens when those who hurt their families seek help – features our very own Boon Leong (Deputy Director | Lead Social Worker) and Hui Wen (Deputy Head | Senior Social Worker).

The article offers a thoughtful look into a complex topic, one that requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to journeying alongside families through their struggles. Conversations like these matter. They help normalise help-seeking and reduce stigma, reminding us why the work we do every day is so important.

It is always encouraging when the issues we navigate daily receive wider attention. Thank you to our team, who work tirelessly in building resilience within families and the community.

One mother sought help after hitting her son whenever she lost patience, making him fearful and constantly on edge.

06/08/2026

Caregivers are often the last people to seek help.

But caregiver burnout is real — and it does not just affect you. It affects the person you are caring for too.

Here is what burnout actually looks like, and where to find support in Singapore: https://viriya.org.sg/blogs/caregiver-burnout/



Caregiver burnout is a very real concern and is more prevalent than most people recognise or openly acknowledge. This guide explains the signs, why it happens, and where caregivers in Singapore can find support.

04/08/2026

Programme Facilitation Skills with Kids Learn Code (SST)

Kids Learn Code (KLC), a student-led initiative from the School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST), joined us for a programme facilitation workshop under Viriya's Community Education Programme (CEP). The workshop equipped KLC's EXCO members and volunteers with skills to better engage children and facilitate community programmes effectively.

By building the capacities of these passionate youths, we hope to empower them to continue making technology and coding more accessible and engaging for children and families in the community!

30/07/2026

Behind every closed door, there is a story that rarely gets told.

Family violence. Childhood trauma. Relationships that have quietly broken down. These are realities for more Singapore families than most people admit.

The Behind Closed Doors series holds space for those stories — and for the courage it takes to reach out.

If something in these stories feels familiar, know this: you are not alone, and help is real.

Read Part 3: The Distance Between Us
https://viriya.org.sg/blogs/behind-closed-doors-the-distance-between-us/

This is Part 3 of the Behind Closed Doors series. The stories are drawn from the experiences of clients supported by Viriya Community Services — a social

29/07/2026

A total of 41 community partners from 16 agencies came together for an afternoon of meaningful networking and thought-provoking conversations on how we can collectively respond to the increasingly complex needs of our community.

From building community capacity and supporting the wellbeing of social service professionals to exploring a community campaign around positive “busybody-ness”, the discussions were rich, honest, and energising. More importantly, they reflected a shared commitment to moving beyond dialogue towards collective action.

In line with this year’s theme, “Taking Action as a Community”, we are excited to see these conversations evolve into partnerships, initiatives, and tangible actions that strengthen our communities together.

Thank you to all our partners for your openness, insights, and commitment to building a more caring, connected, and responsive community. This is only the beginning - let’s continue to take action, together!

28/07/2026

Purpose. Partnership. Practice.

Our Board gathered recently for a day of connection and dialogue, guided by the distinguished Ms Ang Bee Lian – veteran social worker, former NCSS CEO, and currently Senior Advisor and Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents (Singapore).

Her thoughtful facilitation helped steer our conversations with depth and clarity as we explored financial resilience, board‑management alignment, and practice excellence, emerging with fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose.

Grateful for a Board that shows up with heart, wisdom, and a shared commitment to the communities we serve. The conversations have begun and the work continues. Looking forward to the journey ahead.

23/07/2026

Behind every closed door, there is a story that rarely gets told.

Family violence. Childhood trauma. Relationships that have quietly broken down. These are realities for more Singapore families than most people admit.

The Behind Closed Doors series holds space for those stories — and for the courage it takes to reach out.

If something in these stories feels familiar, know this: you are not alone, and help is real.

Read Part 2: The Wounds We Carry
https://viriya.org.sg/blogs/behind-closed-doors-the-wounds-we-carry/

This is Part 2 of the Behind Closed Doors series. The stories are drawn from the experiences of clients supported by Viriya Community Services — a social