Visit to IMH

I was a little apprehensive at the thought of visiting IMH. I didn’t have the time to visit its website prior to the visit and was pleasantly surprised by what unfolded before my eyes upon arrival. It was nothing near what I imagined it to be. In fact the place has a resort feel to it after a recent revamp. 


We were given an introduction of IMH as a group at the auditorium by a young gentleman who is a medical social worker. Many things were shared but what I found to be noteworthy is IMH’s vision is to be the leading mental health centre in ASIA by 2012! The challenge to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness is daunting. The strife to put the patients on equal stand with the people in the community is a commendable one, though. Public awareness and education will go a long way to reduce unemployment and discrimination at work place. The outcome is not a favorable one yet.


Barista Express is a social enterprise set up by IMH and run by recovered patients. IMH has also funded 50% of patient’s 1st two months salary as incentive for employers to recruit their patients. Patients go through vocational rehabilitation (e.g. FSRP – Food Service Skills Rehabilitation Programme) to equip themselves for employment. The snack bar, Juiceworks, in IMH is run by recovered patients.


Personally I was impressed by the Voluntary Rehabilitation Programme at the Stepping Stones. In-patients may be referred there before discharge. It is a 8-week programme designed to educate and train the patients. Making them understand why they need to learn is more challenging than teaching them how to do it. The patients are tracked on their social adjustment as well as adjustment to medication. The attrition rate is very low as majority of the patients benefited from the programme.


I left IMH feeling unfulfilled. I wished I had the opportunity to witness how the patients are being counseled by the resident counselors. We did not get to see the whole place as some areas are not accessible by outsider.