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In a transformative move towards holistic family support, the Family Nexus pilot programme is breaking new ground with new technology, sites and services. The Family Nexus pilot programme stands as a testament to the potential of technology and collaborative efforts in creating an integrated ecosystem across social, health, and education domains to support families effectively.
Family Nexus is a one-stop wellness hub with community-based health and social services and programmes conveniently co-located to better support families in the region. It will also be a community space for families to interact and connect.
Three years ago, Family Nexus originated from discussions among frontliners in healthcare, social services, and education, aiming for seamless cross-domain integration. Collaborations with Punggol Polyclinic, SingHealth, and social service agencies were initiated to understand family needs.
Today, Family Nexus is a reality, with the Punggol Polyclinic site joining three others strategically located across Singapore, offering families convenient access to integrated health and social services near their homes, eliminating the need for multiple visits to different locations.
At Family Nexus@Punggol, families can access a range of services, including development screening, vaccination, maternal mental health screening, emotional health services, lactation support, and resources provided by Families for Life. The integrated approach ensures that families receive holistic support beyond healthcare, encompassing parenting programmes, support groups, and educational materials.
Family Nexus aligns with the initiatives under the CAMH (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) Strategy and Action Plan, emphasising the organisation of services around the needs of children and their families at community touchpoints. The success of Family Nexus relies on the collaborative efforts of healthcare agencies and social and community partners, working together to plan and offer programmes that cater to families.
Looking ahead, the inter-agency CAMH Taskforce plans to introduce more initiatives that provide comprehensive support to children and their families.
Singapore is actively leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, including healthcare, with a keen focus on deploying innovative solutions to benefit its residents.
Leveraging technology can enhance the quality of life for vulnerable communities, offering improved accessibility and independence. The Smart Nation initiative in Singapore is dedicated to fostering inclusivity through assistive technologies, facilitated by government systems designed for efficient service delivery. Notable examples include eCanvas, a voice-controlled painting assistive tool for special needs users, and GatherSG, a collaborative case coordination system across government agencies, both contributing to the goal of building a more inclusive society.
LifeSG, another key initiative under Singapore’s Smart Nation project, initially targeted families with young children and has evolved into a comprehensive app providing services across various life stages.
It has expanded to include modules for seniors and job-seekers, accumulating over 310,000 downloads. The app’s enhanced version, featuring improved navigation, a personalised dashboard, and a consolidated benefits module, offers users access to over 70 government services, tailored information on benefits, and a consolidated profile, fostering a user-friendly experience for citizens seeking government support.
OpenGov Asia reported that Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, shared an inspiring vision for a sustainable digital future, emphasising the Singapore government’s commitment to digital sustainability.
In the face of growing environmental challenges, the need for sustainable technological solutions has become more crucial than ever. As digital technology advances, there is a unique opportunity for innovation and sustainability to be seamlessly integrated, addressing critical issues that impact everyone.
