<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>'Many helping hands' approach the best
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the report, 'State help needs flexibility' (Oct 7).
Indeed, to balance between flexibility and accountability in dispensing assistance and funds to the needy is a challenging task. More so during this past year or so when the volume of social assistance requests increased significantly. Much credit goes to the Community Local Network (CLN) scheme, launched by the Prime Minister in 2006, in meeting this challenge.
The CLN exemplifies the 'Many helping hands' approach to facilitate better communication among social service agencies in the district, and streamline the information and referral process to ensure all needy residents receive timely and effective assistance.
Bizlink Centre is a voluntary welfare organisation with Institution of a
Public Character status that assists people with disabilities in employment. We are also a CLN partner of both South West and North East Community Development Councils mentioned in the report.
The citizen mentioned in the report, Mr Ang Kah Hin, is now assisted by Bizlink Centre. Through the CLN, he was referred to Bizlink as early as late last year to assist him in his job search while he continued with his job then as a newspaper vendor. He had, in the past five years, secured no fewer than three jobs through Bizlink Centre.
Recently, we were glad to note that a friend of Mr Ang was assisting him in securing a stall to do some business. We encourage Mr Ang's friend to also tap the Open Door Fund (more information can be found at www.jobs-odf.com.sg) to facilitate his employment.
Our placement officers have also visited Mr Ang and reassured him that he can also turn to Bizlink Centre, should he consider seeking employment again.
Our social service system is only as effective as the people who run it. But we must also bear in mind that the help system should not be solely confined to the Government. It can be further enhanced when community and neighbourhood networks are strengthened so as to bring about a greater awareness of the various help programmes. With this awareness, timely assistance can be tapped from more than one source.
Joseph Chan
Head
Employment Placement Group
Bizlink Centre
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to the report, 'State help needs flexibility' (Oct 7).
Indeed, to balance between flexibility and accountability in dispensing assistance and funds to the needy is a challenging task. More so during this past year or so when the volume of social assistance requests increased significantly. Much credit goes to the Community Local Network (CLN) scheme, launched by the Prime Minister in 2006, in meeting this challenge.
The CLN exemplifies the 'Many helping hands' approach to facilitate better communication among social service agencies in the district, and streamline the information and referral process to ensure all needy residents receive timely and effective assistance.
Bizlink Centre is a voluntary welfare organisation with Institution of a
Public Character status that assists people with disabilities in employment. We are also a CLN partner of both South West and North East Community Development Councils mentioned in the report.
The citizen mentioned in the report, Mr Ang Kah Hin, is now assisted by Bizlink Centre. Through the CLN, he was referred to Bizlink as early as late last year to assist him in his job search while he continued with his job then as a newspaper vendor. He had, in the past five years, secured no fewer than three jobs through Bizlink Centre.
Recently, we were glad to note that a friend of Mr Ang was assisting him in securing a stall to do some business. We encourage Mr Ang's friend to also tap the Open Door Fund (more information can be found at www.jobs-odf.com.sg) to facilitate his employment.
Our placement officers have also visited Mr Ang and reassured him that he can also turn to Bizlink Centre, should he consider seeking employment again.
Our social service system is only as effective as the people who run it. But we must also bear in mind that the help system should not be solely confined to the Government. It can be further enhanced when community and neighbourhood networks are strengthened so as to bring about a greater awareness of the various help programmes. With this awareness, timely assistance can be tapped from more than one source.
Joseph Chan
Head
Employment Placement Group
Bizlink Centre
