Register for Befriending Training Programme

The OAS will be running a Befriender Training Programme, which will be open to all Colorectal Patients and Caregivers, to provide them with a foundation for peer support efforts.


Introduction
This befriending programme is opened to all Ostomates and caregivers who are able and willing to journey with other caregivers and Ostomates who are newly diagnosed or who would benefit from some time-limited support. Though the primary intention is for Ostomates and caregivers to support others, some may decide not to do so for personal reasons.

Course Structure
The 30-hour course covers the following main topics:

  1. Understanding about the Responsibilities of a Befriender including Ethical Guidelines
  2. Building Self-Awareness as a Befriender
  3. Basic Competencies in Communication Skills
  4. Psychosocial Issues Impacting the Ostomate
  5. Caregiving from a Psychosocial Perspective
  6. Understanding Emotional States and Grief Issues
  7. Staying Positive through Transformational Thoughts

These training workshops harness on the experiences of participants who are Ostomates or caregivers who have gone through their journey as patients. You are encouraged to share your experiences for the benefits of others.

Course Time-table for 2022

Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm           
Duration: 3 hours
Note: Online Zoom Classes are on 2nd Wednesdays except for 20 Apr & 18 May (3rd Wednesdays)

Trainer & Facilitator
The trainer and facilitator for this training programme is Dr Gilbert Fan, a Master Medical Social Worker with the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Gilbert’s specialty is in Oncology Social Work, Palliative Care and Grief Work.

The course is provided free-of-charge, and participants can register for the course by clicking on the button below (you will be redirected to the Google Form).

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Forum

Leading up to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), the Ostomy Association Singapore (OAS) participated in a public forum to raise awareness of Colorectal Cancer. The topics of discussion included its prevalence (colorectal cancer is the top cancer among men and women combined), prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, management and advocacy.

The OAS is extremely heartened by our partners Coloplast Singapore and Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) for bringing the panel together. The panel included of a medical expert, Dr. Chew Min Hoe, from the Society of Colorectal Surgeons, an ET Nurse Clinician, Ms Esther Thng from WOCN, a young patient advocate and the OAS President Ellil Mathiyan Lakshmanan.

Currently, there is a lack of representation from the Healthcare System. To bring about effective change to improve the lives of Singapore’s ostomate community, a concerted effort from all stakeholders is necessary. The OAS is looking to build ties with the Healthcare System such as the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Agency of Care Effectiveness (ACE) to build a workable collaborative framework. This will grant patient organisations like the OAS much-needed access to resources for capability and capacity building.

In turn, this helps the OAS change the landscape to help the most important stakeholders – the patients living with the condition and their caregivers.