Ready for when it matters: Stepping up with our HEART Associates Youth Wing members

Written by Home Team Psychology Division

PHOTOS: Home Team Psychology Division. Graphic: Tang Ying Hui

A crisis won’t wait until we are ready. While trained responders matter, community support matters just as much – people looking out for one another.

In a crisis, youths in distress often turn to their friends and peers first. That’s where the Human Emergency Assistance and Response Teams (HEART) Associates Youth Wing comes in. Managed by MHA’s Home Team Psychology Division (HTPD), the Youth Wing volunteer programme trains young people in psychological first aid so they can support their peers and help build community resilience.

Ms Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs, and Dr Majeed Khader, Chief Psychologist, Ministry of Home Affairs, with HEART Associates Youth Wing members at the programme’s launch on 27 October 2026. PHOTO: Home Team Psychology Division

What draws young people to the Youth Wing? Three volunteers share their stories with us.

Close to Her Heart

For Nimbalkar Arrya Ajit, a second-year Psychology student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), it began with a friend who had withdrawn from those around her.

“I noticed that she wasn’t feeling herself,” she shared. “It was only later that I learnt how I could have helped her better – by looking out for signs of distress, listening to her and linking her up with a mental health professional or trusted adult.”

Arrya hopes to build her confidence in psychological first aid and give back to the community through the HEART Associates Youth Wing. PHOTO: Home Team Psychology Division

So, Arrya set out to learn more. She interned at the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations’ Star Shelter and completed youth mental health training with the Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

The Youth Wing gives Arrya a way to put her experiences to work. “I was looking for an opportunity to serve that played to my strengths and experiences,” she shared. “I want to become more confident in administering psychological first aid, and to give back to the community – it’s something that’s very close to my heart.”

Arrya is also keen to learn from the experts, through training sessions, role-play exercises and talks. “Being a volunteer is a great way for us to learn from experienced professionals,” she explained. “Skills like psychological preparedness and peer support will be invaluable during both peacetime and in a crisis.” 

Checking In, Not Just Checking On

A third-year Psychology student at NUS, Ryan Oh first learnt the importance of peer support as a teenager, when he reached out to a friend who was facing relationship, friendship and health issues in quick succession.

“As youths, we are often the first ones to spot our peers in distress. The biggest lesson for me was learning the difference between checking on someone and checking in with them. The first can help in the moment, but the second is about really meeting someone where they are.”

Through the HEART Associates Youth Wing, Ryan hopes to help other young people develop practical skills to support their peers. PHOTO: Home Team Psychology Division

Ryan has since received training in suicide intervention and peer support, volunteered with IMH and the Singapore Police Force (opens in new tab), and interned with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

“The role of a mental health first responder is akin to that of a paramedic,” he explained. “We are there to stabilise the situation first, so that deeper interventions can take place.”  

That is what drew Ryan to the Youth Wing. “I really resonated with this opportunity because it allows me to make others feel seen and heard in their lowest moments. With training and new perspectives, I also hope to be a credible ambassador for HEART’s work so far, and to encourage my peers to help build a psychological safety net for Singapore.” 

Paying Close Attention

Imran Rashid Fazal came to psychology through his frontline customer service work, where his duties included attending to people in difficult moments.

“I learnt that the most important thing is to be attentive to people’s needs and respond with patience and empathy,” he explained. “We need to listen, be present, understand what someone needs and help them identify appropriate next steps.”

Imran draws on his decade-long frontline work and community volunteering experience as he prepares to support others through the HEART Associates Youth Wing. PHOTO: Home Team Psychology Division

These experiences sparked Imran’s interest in how people cope with hardship, and in mental health, well-being and resilience.

Now studying Psychology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Imran hopes to use what he has learnt to support young people through the Youth Wing. That starts with paying close attention. “For youths, you have to watch for potential warning signs and physical signs of distress,” he explained. “Listening to how they frame their emotions and thoughts can be very telling.”

Imran also believes that the right attitude matters most. “It’s more important to be community-minded and want to help people, sincerely,” he shared. “You have to really care about building resilience, and that’s what the Youth Wing is about.”

Ready Before a Crisis

Arrya, Ryan and Imran have taken different paths, but share one purpose: to support others when a crisis hits.

Ms Sim Ann and Dr Majeed meeting with Arrya, Ryan, Imran and other HEART Associates Youth Wing members. PHOTO: Home Team Psychology Division

As volunteers, they will be trusted voices among their peers, trained supporters in crisis-support roles (under HTPD’s guidance) and resilience builders bringing HEART’s work into youth communities.

A crisis won’t wait until we are ready. And that’s why our young volunteers are stepping up now!

About HEART

Launched in 2017, HEART (Human Emergency Assistance and Response Teams) comprises Home Team psychologists and correctional rehabilitation specialists who provide psychological support during crises.

The HEART Professionals Network, launched on 16 July 2025 (opens in new tab), brings together Home Team psychologists and mental health associations to strengthen crisis preparedness.

Its youth arm, the HEART Associates Youth Wing, trains youth volunteers to provide peer support and strengthen community resilience.