SINGAPORE – Working in a foreign land far away from home and family can be lonely for many migrant workers, taking a toll on their mental health.

But there is an entire ecosystem that includes employers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that is committed to supporting the mental health of migrant workers, said Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.

He was speaking on Oct 5 at a World Mental Health Day event for migrant workers held at Terusan Recreation Centre, where some 1,000 migrant workers took part in activities that included games and a roadshow.

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on Oct 10.

During the event, Mr Dinesh announced two new initiatives to strengthen mental health support for migrant workers.

The first is the 20 preventive health roadshows by HealthServe that will be held over the next two years at dormitories and recreation centres to reach some 20,000 migrant workers.

The roadshows will cover a range of health-related topics to enhance migrant workers’ overall well-being, such as mental health support, self-care techniques, oral hygiene, nutrition, health screening services and interactive games.

The second is the expansion of the peer support leader programme to teach selected migrant workers psychological first-aid skills so that they can provide early mental health support to their peers.

Mr Dinesh said that so far, close to 2,000 migrant workers have been trained under the programme.

“To our migrant brothers, we recognise that it’s not easy because you are far away from your home and your families, and sometimes it can be very difficult,” he said.

“And so during your time in Singapore, and together with all the NGOs, dormitory operators, your employers, we are committed to support you for both your mental and your physical health.”

He also spoke about the