Grief is a natural response to losing someone you love. In Singapore, many people feel pressure to "move on" quickly or to keep their emotions private, but grief has no fixed timeline and there is no wrong way to grieve. Whether you have just lost a loved one or are supporting someone who is grieving, this guide lists the support resources available in Singapore, from free crisis helplines to professional counselling, community support groups, and faith-based pastoral care.
Free Crisis Helplines
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, these helplines provide immediate support. All calls are confidential.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Hotline: 1-767 (24 hours, daily)
- CareText: WhatsApp 9151 1767 (24 hours, daily)
- Email: pat@sos.org.sg
- Website: sos.org.sg
SOS provides emotional support to anyone in crisis, including those experiencing grief, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. The service is free, confidential, and available around the clock. Trained volunteers listen without judgement and help callers work through their emotions.
Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Helpline
- Hotline: 6389 2222 (24 hours, daily)
- Website: imh.com.sg
The IMH helpline provides crisis support and can refer callers to appropriate mental health services, including grief counselling. IMH also operates an outpatient clinic for bereavement-related conditions such as prolonged grief disorder and depression.
Silver Ribbon (Singapore)
- Hotline: 6385 3714 (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm)
- Website: silverribbonsingapore.com
Silver Ribbon focuses on mental health awareness and provides support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including grief. They offer a helpline, peer support, and referrals to counselling services.
Tinkle Friend (for Children and Youth)
- Hotline: 1800 274 4788 (Monday-Friday, 2:30pm-5pm; by appointment)
- Chat: tinklefriend.sg
- Website: tinklefriend.sg
Tinkle Friend is a helpline for children aged 7-12 who are experiencing emotional distress, including grief from the loss of a family member. Trained volunteers provide a safe space for children to express their feelings.
National Care Hotline
- Hotline: 1800 202 6868 (8am-12am, daily)
Provides psychosocial support to anyone in emotional distress. Particularly useful for individuals who prefer to speak in languages other than English, as multilingual support is available.
Government Resources
The Singapore government provides several avenues of support for bereaved families.
ComCare
- Access: Through your nearest Social Service Office (SSO)
- Website: msf.gov.sg/comcare
ComCare provides financial assistance to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents facing financial difficulty. If funeral costs have placed a strain on your finances, or if the deceased was the primary breadwinner, ComCare can help with:
- Short-to-medium term financial assistance
- Referrals to counselling and support services
- Connection to community resources
To find your nearest Social Service Office, visit the MSF website or call the ComCare hotline at 1800 222 0000.
Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)
- Hotline: 1800 650 6060
- Website: aic.sg
AIC supports elderly Singaporeans and their caregivers. If you are caring for an elderly family member who is grieving the loss of a spouse or child, AIC can connect you with:
- Eldercare services and day activity centres
- Befriending and home visit programmes
- Respite care for caregivers
MyLegacy@LifeSG
- Website: mylegacy.life.gov.sg
While primarily a portal for managing the administrative aspects of a death (death registration, CPF matters, estate administration), MyLegacy also provides links to grief support resources and practical guidance for the bereaved.
Counselling Services
Professional grief counselling can be invaluable for individuals experiencing intense or prolonged grief. Singapore has several options ranging from free to subsidised to private.
Free and Subsidised Counselling
Assisi Hospice
- Services: Free grief and bereavement care, individual counselling, bereavement support groups, "Grief Cafe" sessions
- Eligibility: Primarily for families of Assisi Hospice patients, but some programmes are open to the public
- Website: assisihospice.org.sg
- Contact: 6347 6446
HCA Hospice Care (formerly Hospice Care Association)
- Services: Bereavement support for families of HCA patients, including individual counselling and support groups
- Website: hca.org.sg
- Contact: 6251 2561
Family Service Centres
- Services: Free counselling and casework services for Singapore residents
- Access: Over 50 Family Service Centres across Singapore; find your nearest at msf.gov.sg
- Coverage: Grief counselling, family therapy, practical assistance
Family Service Centres are community-based organisations funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. They offer free face-to-face counselling and can connect you with other support resources in your area.
Subsidised Professional Counselling
Polyclinic Referral
If you are experiencing grief-related symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, persistent sadness, or difficulty functioning at work, visit your nearest polyclinic. The doctor can:
- Assess your condition and provide initial treatment
- Refer you to a subsidised psychiatrist or psychologist at a restructured hospital (SGH, NUH, TTSH, CGH, KTPH, or NTFGH)
- Prescribe medication if appropriate (for depression or anxiety related to grief)
Subsidised rates at restructured hospitals are significantly lower than private rates, especially with CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) subsidies.
Private Counselling
For those who prefer private, flexible counselling with shorter wait times:
| Provider | Services | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| EMCC (Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre) | Individual grief counselling, EAP | $80-$120/session |
| Singapore Counselling Centre (SCC) | Individual and corporate grief counselling | $120-$180/session |
| GriefCounselling.sg | Specialist grief counselling (bereavement, anticipatory grief, complicated grief) | $150-$200/session |
| Private psychologists | Comprehensive grief therapy | $180-$350/session |
Many private counsellors offer an initial complimentary consultation. Ask about this when booking.
Support Groups
Grief can feel isolating, but sharing your experience with others who understand can be profoundly helpful. Singapore has several support groups for the bereaved.
GoodGrief (Singapore)
- Website: goodgrief.sg
- Services: Peer support groups, workshops, and resources for grieving individuals and families
- Format: Regular group meetings in a safe, facilitated environment
GoodGrief is one of Singapore's most established grief support organisations. Their peer support groups bring together individuals who have experienced similar losses, providing a space to share, listen, and heal together.
Assisi Hospice Bereavement Support Groups
- Format: Facilitated group sessions for bereaved family members
- Frequency: Regular sessions throughout the year
- Contact: 6347 6446
HCA Hospice Bereavement Support
- Format: Group support and memorial events for families of HCA patients
- Contact: 6251 2561
HOPE Singapore
- Website: hopesingapore.org.sg
- Email: bereavement@hopesingapore.org.sg
- Services: Practical bereavement support, including guidance on funeral arrangements and post-funeral administration
Caregivers Alliance Limited
- Hotline: 6460 4400
- Website: cal.org.sg
- Services: Support for caregivers, including those who have lost a care recipient. Peer support groups and counselling referrals.
Faith-Based Bereavement Support
Many religious communities in Singapore offer pastoral care and bereavement support as part of their ministry.
Buddhist Support
Buddhist temples and organisations often provide grief support through:
- Dharma counselling: Monks or lay counsellors offer guidance on processing grief through Buddhist teachings on impermanence and compassion
- Prayer and chanting sessions: Regular community prayer sessions can provide comfort and a sense of connection
- Meditation: Some temples offer grief-focused meditation sessions
Contact your local temple or the Singapore Buddhist Federation (singaporebuddhist.org) for resources.
Christian and Catholic Support
- Church pastoral care: Most churches have pastoral care teams that provide visitation, prayer, and ongoing support for bereaved members
- GriefShare: An international programme run by some Singapore churches, offering a 13-week grief recovery support group with video-based sessions
- Catholic parishes: Often have bereavement ministries that provide support visits and prayer groups
Muslim Support
- Mosque counselling: Many mosques in Singapore have counselling services for their congregants, including bereavement support
- MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore): Provides religious guidance and can refer families to appropriate support services
- Community support: The Muslim community tradition of Tahlil (prayer gatherings over 3 nights after the funeral) provides built-in communal support for grieving families
Hindu and Sikh Support
- Temple priests: Hindu temple priests can provide spiritual guidance during the mourning period
- Community organisations: The Hindu Endowments Board (heb.gov.sg) can connect families with temple-based support services
- Sikh Gurdwaras: Offer community support and langar (communal meals) for bereaved families
Helping Children Grieve
Children experience grief differently from adults, and they need age-appropriate support to process their feelings.
Age-Appropriate Conversations
| Age Group | How They Understand Death | How to Help |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | May not understand permanence; may think the person will return | Use simple, concrete language ("Grandma's body stopped working"). Maintain routines. |
| 5-9 | Beginning to understand death is permanent; may worry about others dying | Answer questions honestly. Reassure them that the people around them are healthy. |
| 10-12 | Understands death fully; may express anger, guilt, or withdrawal | Encourage them to express feelings. Allow them to attend the funeral if they wish. |
| Teenagers | Adult-like understanding; may struggle with identity and meaning | Give them space but remain available. Consider professional counselling if withdrawal is prolonged. |
Practical Steps
- Be honest: Use clear language rather than euphemisms ("passed away" or "gone to sleep" can confuse younger children)
- Include them: Allow children to attend the wake or funeral if they want to; do not force them if they are unwilling
- Maintain routines: School, meals, and bedtime routines provide a sense of stability
- Watch for signs of distress: Nightmares, regression (bed-wetting, clinginess), changes in appetite, or withdrawal from friends may indicate they need additional support
- School support: Inform the child's school so teachers and counsellors can provide extra support
Professional Help for Children
- Tinkle Friend: 1800 274 4788 (for children aged 7-12)
- CHAT (Community Health Assessment Team): 6493 6500 or chat.mentalhealth.sg (for youth aged 16-30)
- KKH (KK Women's and Children's Hospital): Child development unit offers psychological support for grieving children
Self-Care During Grief
Grief affects every aspect of your wellbeing. These practical self-care steps can help you navigate the most difficult days.
Physical Health
- Sleep: Grief often disrupts sleep. Maintain a regular bedtime routine. If insomnia persists beyond 2 weeks, speak to your doctor.
- Nutrition: Eat regular meals even when you have no appetite. Ask family or friends to prepare food if cooking feels overwhelming.
- Exercise: Even a short daily walk can help regulate mood and improve sleep. You do not need to commit to a gym routine.
- Avoid excessive alcohol: It may seem to provide temporary relief but worsens sleep quality and can deepen depression.
Emotional Health
- Allow yourself to feel: Grief includes sadness, anger, guilt, relief, and numbness. All of these are normal.
- Talk to someone: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor. You do not have to grieve alone.
- Write: Journaling can help process complex emotions, especially thoughts you feel unable to say aloud.
- Be patient: Grief does not follow a neat timeline. Some days will be harder than others, and that is expected.
Practical Decisions
- Avoid major decisions: Grief impairs judgement. If possible, postpone major decisions (selling a home, changing jobs, making large financial commitments) for at least 6-12 months.
- Accept help: When people offer to help with meals, errands, or childcare, accept the offer. You do not need to manage everything alone.
- Delegate post-funeral administration: If the administrative tasks after the funeral feel overwhelming, ask a trusted family member or friend to help with account cancellations, insurance claims, and estate matters.
For a guide to post-funeral tasks, see our guide on what to do after the funeral.
When to Seek Professional Help
While grief is a natural process, certain signs may indicate that professional support would be beneficial:
- Intense grief that does not improve after several months
- Inability to perform daily tasks (work, self-care, caring for dependents)
- Persistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (call SOS at 1-767 immediately)
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope
- Physical symptoms (chronic pain, unexplained illness) that your doctor cannot attribute to a medical cause
- Social withdrawal that persists beyond the initial mourning period
Prolonged grief disorder is a recognised clinical condition. If grief remains intensely debilitating beyond 6 months, a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist is advisable. Start with your polyclinic doctor, who can make a subsidised referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to still feel grief months or years later?
Yes. Grief does not have an expiry date. Many people experience waves of grief on anniversaries, holidays, and other significant occasions for years after their loss. This is entirely normal and does not mean something is wrong with you.
How do I support a grieving friend or family member?
Be present. Listen without trying to fix or minimise their feelings. Practical help (cooking meals, running errands, accompanying them to appointments) is often more valuable than words. Avoid platitudes like "they are in a better place" or "time heals all wounds." Simply saying "I am here for you" is enough.
Are grief counselling services in Singapore expensive?
Free options exist through Samaritans of Singapore, Family Service Centres, and hospice-affiliated programmes. Subsidised options are available through polyclinic referrals to restructured hospitals. Private counselling ranges from $80-$350 per session.
Can my employer help with grief support?
Some employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that include free confidential counselling. Check with your HR department. For information on bereavement leave entitlements, see our guide on bereavement leave in Singapore.
Is there grief support available in languages other than English?
Yes. Many Family Service Centres offer counselling in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The National Care Hotline (1800 202 6868) provides multilingual support. Religious organisations also provide pastoral care in their community's primary language.
How do I explain death to a young child?
Use simple, honest language. Avoid euphemisms that may confuse the child. Say something like "Grandpa's body stopped working and he died. That means we will not be able to see him anymore, but we can always remember him." Allow the child to ask questions and answer them truthfully at an age-appropriate level.