“I will carry on volunteering as long as Singapore Children’s Society needs me,” said Madam Suraiyah, who has been a volunteer with the Vulnerable Witness Support Programme (VWSP) under the Society for 21 years!

It takes someone with passion, a desire that stems from the heart, love and kindness to help others. And Madam Suraiyah exudes all these qualities.

During our recent Singapore Children’s Society Awards Presentation, Madam Suraiyah was honoured for her work and efforts with the Platinum Service Award by President Halimah Yacob.

Singapore Children's Society Awards 2023

Madam Suraiyah (left) receiving the Platinum Service Award from President Halimah Yacob and Mr Koh Choon Hui (right),
Chairman of Singapore Children’s Society

Watch the video below to find out more about her journey with us as she shares her biggest takeaways during her 21 years of volunteer service.

About the programme

The Vulnerable Witness Support Programme (VWSP) aims to provide support to vulnerable witnesses who are under the age of 17 years old. This can be in family or criminal cases when a child witness is required to testify in Court against his or her perpetrator(s), namely the accused person(s).​ Since 1998, Singapore Children’s Society has been partnering the Courts to provide support to these vulnerable witnesses who are involved in criminal proceedings. Working hand-in-hand with the Court, police and our volunteers, we provide emotional and non-evidentiary practical support to child witnesses.

A trained Vulnerable Support Person (VSP) is assigned to each witness and they help the child deal with stress management and be familiar with the judicial procedures. This includes engaging the child through the court session and sharing coping strategies and court processes. In 2022, VWSP supported over 50 beneficiaries.

 

 

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