National CARE Hotline operating hours will be shortened in 2022

The National CARE Hotline (NCH) will operate from 8am to 8pm daily from Jan 1, 2022, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said.

The hotline’s current operating hours are from 8am to 12am. 

The adjustment will be made as the number of calls has decreased and stabilised over time.

The hotline started during the circuit breaker period in April 2020 as a 24-hour hotline, to provide emotional and psychological support to members of the public who are affected by COVID-19.

Consisting of professional counsellors and volunteers, the NCH has helped with issues from diallers such as financial problems, divorce and even domestic violence. By August 2021, the hotline had received more than 50,000 dial-ins. 

However, its operating hours shortened to 12am from September last year as there were only a few calls after midnight. 

MSF said that the latest adjustment is also to ensure that the hotline “remains sustainable as we transition to living with COVID-19 in Singapore.”

Dial-ins after operating hours will be directed to other 24-hour helplines such as the Institute of Mental Health Helpline (6389 2222) or Samaritans of Singapore Hotline (1800 221 4444). 

Alternatively, members of the public can call the NCH during its operating hours at 1800-202-6868.

If you are looking for more mental wellbeing resources, check out Youthopia’s resource page with everything from mental health self-assessments to tips for coping with challenging seasons in life.