However, not many students are aware of the hotline's existence.
By Julian Lo
Nov 15, 2019
A school-wide email was sent by the Student & Alumni Services Office (SASO) announcing the crisis hotline (Photo Credit: NP Email).
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) launched a hotline for students in distress so that the learning environment is more "inclusive" for all.
According to the NP code, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) seeks to help its students cultivate academic and personal excellence in an inclusive and supporting way.
A school wide email was sent on Oct 15, with details on the hotline. The email said students can call to receive "immediate support" by "care ambassadors" if one encounters a "distress".
The hotline, 6460 6777, can be called by all students from 9am to 6pm if and when they are feeling overwhelmed by stress.
NP's Student & Alumni Services Office declined to grant an interview with npTribune.
A poll of 37 NP students showed that 79 per cent did not know of the hotline.
Comments from the poll include, "Yes, because it really serves as a listening ear to some but no because some might not be willing to speak up."
"If there’s anything emergency, we will dial 999/995, etc because they are easier to remember. Also, we will most probably contact our lecturer first."
"Are you sure anyone would even contact that hotline?"
However, Ms Sharon Tan, NP School of Film & Media Studies' para-counsellor, said, "It is very important [for NP students] to know that there's someone there waiting for them if they ever need to reach out."
Ms Bernie Er, a researcher employed by NUS, said that the hotline "is useful to a certain extent" because "students who are stressed" sometimes need "a listening ear".
However, this may not be the case for all students.
John (not his real name), an NP student who is a mental health patient, said he "wouldn't want to call" due to the "lack of detail from the email".
He said the hotline would be "useful if you need a listening ear" for "short term [relief]".
According to the Samaritans of Singapore, a non-profit organisation focusing on suicide prevention, 397 lives were lost to suicide in 2018. (Photo Credits: Sydney Sim)
Theng Shi Yun, a nursing student from NP, said, "Students might think that others would feel that their feels and thoughts are stupid, silly and would not make the call."
"Personally for me, I would never choose to dial the hotline if I needed someone. A feature for booking of appointment would be more helpful for students with the same opinion as [me]."
Infographics by: Julian Lo
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