This year, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) celebrates 40 years of empowering life to the full. This is one of a series of stories from people empowered to help others through MWS over the years. Get involved and join MWS in empowering lives. Learn more by visiting https://mws.sg/mws40th/
Speaking with retired couple 83-year old Danny and 74-year-old Lois Goh, one cannot help but feel simultaneously inspired and curious at how they can keep up their zeal for volunteering.
The couple first learnt about Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) from reading its magazine, Uncommon Voices, and decided to step forward and volunteer. In the beginning, they conducted exercises for the seniors at MWS Charis ACE ā Geylang East (MWS Charis ACE), one of the senior activity centres under MWS. āQuite immediately, we began to also reach out and befriend the seniors we met at the Centre. We believe no one is too old to serve, or to be a friend to those in need,ā said Danny. The coupleās friendly disposition and love for people also endeared them to the quiet and shy seniors, and made many felt more at home.
They subsequently joined MWS Charis ACEās Community Befriending Service to visit frail home-bound seniors as part of its collaboration with community partners. āSome seniors no longer know what happiness is. They experience loneliness and isolation because they have lost their mobility, or because their social circles became smaller over the years. When we meet these seniors, chat with them, sing and play our ukulele, we see how their faces light up and fill with joy,ā shared Lois.
Even when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and home visits were suspended, the couple learnt how to keep in touch online with Anne Tan, one of the seniors they had befriended. Anne is in her 70s and recovering from cancer, osteoarthritis and depression.
āWe have known Anne since 2019. She enjoys beadwork and sheās really good with her hands. She also likes singing and music and wanted to learn from Danny and me, so we gave her vocal lessons. She was so enthusiastic that she even brought a keyboard! The vocal lessons eventually moved online but she made sure she never missed any,ā Lois shared.
Over time, Anne confided that the pain in her legs had disappeared. Even her counsellor attested to Anneās improved mental well-being. āDanny and Lois are a wonderful couple. I used to feel very lonely and was rather inactive. Not only did they welcome me as a friend, they also invited me to join their Zoom vocal group lessons and treated me like family,ā Anne added.
Danny and Loisā sincerity and genuine compassion have supported many like Anne, and helped them to spend their twilight years better. āFor us, weāre simply blessed to be able to bring companionship and comfort to the seniors in our community,ā Danny said.
Get Involved
Since May 2021, MWS Active Ageing Centre ā Kebun Baru has been piloting a new Eldercare Centre Model developed by the Ministry of Health. The focus is to reach out to every senior living in the housing blocks assigned to the Centre, to understand the profiles and needs of the seniors, and to encourage them to age actively in the community. We urgently need more befrienders for these extensive outreach efforts across our Senior Activity Centres. Keen to volunteer? You can do so on a regular or ad-hoc basisāall it takes is two hours each time. Email volunteer@mws.sg today to learn more.
By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of MWS