AEA(S), TRCL launch mental wellness programmes for migrant domestic workers

THE Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore), also known as AEA(S), partnered TRCL to launch a new initiative that provides weekly mental wellness programmes for migrant domestic workers (MDWs). 

Launched on Sunday (Jan 8), the AEA(S) Fun Club features arts and creative activities, which include dance therapy workshops, percussion sessions, and talks about health and self-development.

The activities were conducted at 10 Square in Orchard Central – an arts space managed by non-profit arts organisation TRCL.

The creation of the club was in response to new legislation with effect from Jan 1, which makes it compulsory for all employers to give MDWs at least one rest day a month. 

K Jayaprema, president of AEA(S), acknowledged that there was a lack of organised activities for MDWs on their rest days, especially since the rest days cannot be compensated away.

“To address this need, we felt it important to organise a series of free weekly activities in the form of a club that could serve as a trusted and safe enclave for MDWs to rest and recharge from their work, as well as interact with their own network of friends,” she added.

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Besides Orchard Central, AEA(S) has engaged two other venues managed by TRCL to host the MDWs: Tekka Mall at Little India and Yishun’s Northpoint.

The association hopes to set up more venues around Singapore to bring the activities closer to MDWs.

AEA(S) is the only industry association representing employment agencies in Singapore. Its agencies deploy the majority of the country’s MDWs. TRCL works with companies and agencies to make the arts more accessible to underserved groups.