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The Samaritans call on Singaporeans to wear plasters on wrists for Suicide Prevention Week

The Samaritans of Singapore has launched a campaign this week to start a conversation around suicide.

The creative idea, devised by TBWA\Singapore, centres around a plaster that the charity is asking Singaporeans to wear on their inner wrists that carries the hashtag #howru.

Samaritans plaster

Supporters will be able to go to the website sos.org.sg to download a virtual plaster, which they can add to their social media profile pictures to spread the word.

On 10 September of this week – which is World Suicide Prevention Week – real plasters can be picked up at key MRT stations at Jurong East, Tampines, Toa Payoh, City Hall, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Harbourfront and Marina Bay Financial Centre from 7am to 9am, 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm.

The ‘Wear a plaster. End the Silence’ campaign is being backed by celebrities including former president SR Nathan, MediaCorp artiste Jayley Woo, actress Oon Shu An and Narelle Kheng and Benjamin Kheng from local pop band Sam Willows.

Celebrities backing SOS campaign in Singapore

Christine Wong, the executive director of SOS, commented: “Plasters are usually used as a first-aid measure when people need to cover and protect a wound. When someone wears a plaster, people around them tend to ask what happened and how they are feeling. Emotional pain however, is not always visible.”

“TBWA\Singapore came up with a meaningful and interactive way to draw attention to what we cannot see. Through our #howru plasters, we want to remind people to be attentive to the emotional wellbeing of their loved ones. A caring person who asks ‘How are you?’ at the right time can make a difference between life and death.”

In Singapore, one life is lost every day to suicide. SOS’ 24-hour hotline is 1-800- 221 4444.

 

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