Another senior YGO, Mr Muhamad Nur from SBH, which provides care and support for troubled boys aged 10 to 19, said although he didn’t observe an increase in behavioural issues among the boys, they too were dejected by the no-visitors rule.Mr Nur said: “We were also responsible for keeping them updated on the Covid-19 situation, so they could understand why some rules, like not having their parents visit them temporarily, were necessary.
Ms Chan added: “We had to step up, and made it a point to conduct programmes, like having regular check-in sessions, to help them open up and get in touch with their feelings.” Meaningful activities like weekly themed games, movie therapy, circle-time and making TikTok videos were initiated by the YGOs.The residents also had a chance to pen appreciation messages for frontline workers fighting Covid-19.
Ms Chan said: “Over time, they saw we were working hard for them. We were putting in 12-hour shifts and spending more time and interacting with them to help them cope.” During phase two of Singapore’s reopening from June 19, residents at both homes can have two related visitors visiting them at once, compared to only one family member previously in phase one.Mr Nur said: “When parents came down to visit the residents, it was like a joyous reunion. But they understood the importance of social distancing measures and restrained from giving hugs.”