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ABOUT SOS

Who We Are

Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) is dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to individuals facing a crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide.

Non-religious and not for profit, our work focuses on crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

CRISIS

A state of hopelessness and despair due to overwhelming life circumstances.

SUICIDE

A deliberate and voluntary act of taking one’s own life. A person may contemplate suicide when the crisis they are facing exceeds their ability to cope emotionally.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

An external coping resource provided through compassion, empathy, and genuine concern. This is the first step in helping someone out of a crisis and hence reducing their risk of suicide.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Unique Entity Number (UEN): 202245684D
IPC status validity till: 1 March 2025

VISION

To be the premier organisation in suicide prevention

MISSION

To be an available lifeline to anyone in crisis

CORE VALUES

Respect
Accountability
Confidentiality
Collaboration

The objects for which the Company is established are all or any of the following:

  • (a) To provide confidential 24-hour emotional support to people in crisis, thinking of suicide and affected by suicide.
  • (b) To raise awareness of and understanding of suicide, suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
  • (c) To promote evidence-based research relating to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
  • (d) To engage in any other related activities and initiatives which the Company deems necessary and expedient in
    relation to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.

OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS

Over the next 5 years, SOS will be focusing our efforts on three key areas

Future-Proofing SOS and
Ensuring Sustainability
Serving the Community as the Leading Agency in Suicide Prevention
Enhancing our Services through
Technology and Capability Building

Our Patron

Mr Lawrence Wong
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
Dr Janil Puthucheary
Senior Minister of State,
Ministry of Digital Development
and Information & Ministry of Health

Our BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr Roel Faes
Chairman
Biography
Mr Tan Kwang Cheak
Vice-Chairman
Biography
Mr Michael Wolfe
Treasurer
Biography
Mr Christopher Mark Galea
Director
Biography
Ms Cynthia Lee
Director
Biography
Dr Francis Neville Pavri
Director
Biography
Dr Jared Ng
Director
Biography
Dr Mariam Aljunied
Director
Biography
Ms Nancy Ng
Director
Biography
Dr Ong Geok Chwee
Director
Biography
Ms Sharon Siah
Director
Biography

OUR COMMITTEES

Audit & Risk Committee

  • Provide a means of independent assurance and objective review of financial information risk management, process of governance and internal control mechanisms;
  • Ensure that assets are safeguarded, the risk of illegal or improper acts is reduced;
  • Review and recommend the appointment of auditors; and
  • Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

Fundraising Committee

  • Advise the Board on any fundraising matters;
  • Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate fundraising strategy;
  • Oversee fundraising activities and provide support for fundraising events; and
  • Assist the Board in managing interactions with donors, obtaining funds or in-kind services, thanking sponsors/donors.

Governance & Nominating Committee

  • Oversee corporate governance practices, principles, guidelines and related policies including matters related to integrity and ethics;
  • Oversee nomination of candidates for election or appointment to the Board;
  • Oversee composition, including succession planning of the Board; and
  • Conduct annual self-evaluation of the Board’s performance.

Human Resources Committee

  • Oversee and provide guidance on human resource strategies, policies, compensation and benefit schemes;
  • Oversee and provide guidance on the “Volunteer Management Governance Framework” and policies for SOS volunteers;
  • Inform the Board of the recommended changes by the Management team to the compensation and benefits framework, career development programmes, strategy and other significant changes to policies relating to employees or volunteers before implementation; and
  • Gather inputs from the Board on Chief Executive’s performance and recommend to the Chairman for approval on matters related to the Chief Executive’s compensation and benefits.

IT Committee

  • Provide subject matter support to the Board and Chief Executive; and
  • Ensure continual functioning of IT and telecommunication infrastructure and relevant applications.

Programme & Services Committee

  • Oversee new programme development;
  • Monitor and assess outcomes of existing programmes to ensure alignment with the vision, mission and objectives of the Society;
  • Actively participate in new initiatives and ascertain relevance of existing programmes;
  • Provide guidance in the development of service delivery mechanisms;
  • Initiate and guide programme evaluations;
  • Determine the priority of a list of programmes to reflect the priority of the Society and availability of resources; and
  • Develop effective procedures and resources for new programme initiation and existing programme evaluation.

Strategic Planning Committee

  • Identify strategies that will help SOS move towards her Vision; and
  • Provide oversight of the key priorities of the Strategic Plan to ensure their relevance, timeliness and that they are appropriately resourced.

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Gasper Tan

Biography
  1. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

      1. Client Care

      2. Community Development

      3. Crisis Support (24-hour Hotline, 24-hour CareText)

      1. IT/Technical Support

      2. Training & Development

      3. Volunteer Management

      1. Advancement & Planning

      2. Corporate Development

      3. Corporate Finance & Compliance

      4. Organisation Development

Member Of

CareText
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