We thank Mr Leong for his letter “More light on social assistance figures needed” (Dec 26). Mr Leong referred to the increase in calls on social services to the ComCare Call hotline from 2008 to 2010, and commented that the trend seemed odd when viewed against other MCYS survey findings and statistics on beneficiaries under ComCare help schemes.
We would like to clarify that many of the calls were enquiries on the availability and location of social services and assistance (eg family counselling, elderly care, help on addictions) that were non-financial in nature. Calls to ComCare Call pertaining to financial assistance had in fact declined from 20 per cent of all calls in 2008 (5,122 calls) to 15 per cent in 2010 (3,463 calls).
We share Mr Leong’s concern for the needy. If anyone knows of someone who genuinely needs help, please refer them to the Community Development Councils, Family Service Centres or call ComCare Call at 1800-222 0000.
