Two major event in my life : 2016

It's been some time since I blog. I am not sure what came over me, but there are lots of emotions going through me right now. So, let's see what have I done for the past one year...

Completing my final semester
I have gone through a really tough last semester, but yes, I still managed to complete all assignments, projects and examinations. When I was asked what is the caused of stress for this semester.. honestly I can't really pinpoint a specific reason, but perhaps it was the stress of juggling with work and school. 

To me, it is really not easy juggling work and school together. When I am at work, I think about the amount of assignment that I have to complete, and when I am doing my assignment, I think about what I need to do at work. 

Also, I think the content of the last semester was really tough. I am already so poor in Math and my fear of numbers kind of decrease my level of understanding for the topic in research. I had so much fear when doing presentations and group discussions. It was a really tough semester for me. I am not ready to share what I am going through now. But I know I will get well and better soon. I am working on things, emotions or whatever you call it but I know I will get better some day. 

Proposal and marriage
Okay, I guess my relationship is something that I hold dearly in my life right now. It's something joyful to look forward too. Josh and I are getting married next year on 14 October 2017. Its the one thing that keeps me going right now. Oh, and the proposal I had was really simple and an intimate one. Josh proposed in Bintan, Indonesia during July 2016 and we enjoyed ourselves on the trip. 

We've booked our wedding venue and the bridal package as well. It's going to be a small and intimate wedding too. Not grand and fancy but just a small wedding with my loved ones. The bridal package, we have booked the package from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The bridal shop is called Destino Bridal. Shall blog more about it next time.

I guess, these are the two big things which happened in 2016. In fact, 2016 it's a year which I faced so many emotional turmoils, battling with my own emotions and fighting with my bad and good self. I wonder how would 2017 be like.
Some homework for me to do this week:  Identify 100 positive things about myself and to acknowledge my own feelings/ be authentic to my true feelings.

With love,
Alicia Toh

Social Work - 4 Types of Child Abuse - Physical, Emotional, Neglect and Sexual

Attended a "Child Abuse Awareness" Talk recently at MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development. It's a really insightful one and it really changed my perspective/thinking on the "Child Abuse" topic.

Before the talk, the only thing I know about child abuse is violence-physical. Those that you see in Crime Watch which helped to educate the public on what to do when you encounter such cases. In fact, there are more to what the victim (child) may experience - in terms of his/her physical and emotional well-being. 

#Typesofchildabuse #learningpoint2

Sharing with my readers on the types of child abuse. Gained many insights from the talk itself.

1. Physical Abuse

                                            

Is to aggress directly to a child. The abuse involves slapping, punching, scalding, kicking, burning, biting and etc. Of course, it depends on the level of strength and intensity. Some participants asked "how about the cane-strategy to teach a child?" It very much depends on your intent to hurt this child. Sometimes the victim may end up feeling that "hitting" is a norm as he/she did not behave well. The victim does not know what is right or wrong. 

2. Emotional Abuse

Is a behaviour that impairs a child's emotional development. It includes threatening, blackmailing, shouting, criticism and etc. This type of abuse may result in psychological trauma. Many parents are ignorant or are not away that their words may cause an impact in their child's upbringing. Words can be as mighty as a sword and cripple a child for life. 

3. Neglect Abuse

The absence of a parent to meet the basic needs of a child with food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. This type of child abuse is often the "blind spot" for parents and it's not easy to spot. It depends on the intent of parents leaving a child alone - at home and the age of the child. 

Sometimes, the child has to take on the role of the parent. The patient might become physically or mentally unable to care for a child.

4. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually that they don't want to do. Some sexual assault and abuse are unwanted kissing or touching, rape, degrading act, child pornography, encouragement of prostitution and etc. This may result in behavioural changes in a child. Such as self-harm, anger issues, withdrawn, clingy and etc. 

Reporting of  Suspected Child Abuse

Reporting of suspected child abuse is the first step in preventing or stop the abuse from happening. This will allow an appropriate investigation to be conducted.

For Further information or for reporting of child abuse, please contact:

Child Protection and Welfare Helpline: 1800-777 0000 
(Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm and Saturday, 8.30am-1pm)

Child Protection and Welfare Service
SLF Podium
#01-01 to #01-09
512A Thomson Road
Singapore 298137
or the Police Divisional HQ or the nearest Neighbourhood Police Post

Social Work - Medisave, Medishield and Medifund (Your Important 3Ms)

My first week of SWA training is over.

#1stlearningpoint "Your Important 3Ms". 

Me: "What's 3Ms?" 

*Jokingly* 

"Is it the company that sells scotch-tape?"

My buddy: "No la! Your Medisave, Medishield and Medifund"

Yes, Of course! That's the monthly portion of CPF savings which I can pay for my personal medical expenses. Ahh, but what's Medishield and Medifund?

My point is: Almost all Singaporeans have government subsidies. Therefore, healthcare is made affordable for us. Falling sick can be stressful and worrying. Below is an infographic I've made for readers to understand your basic "3Ms" (It's pretty much self-explanatory)

To view: Click on the picture.

Will continue to share more in my other posts:) 
Don't Worry! You're covered!

Social Work - Embarking on a Social Work Journey

Revamped my blog to mark a start of a new journey. Want to document down every learning points, practices, challenges and stories in my blog on social work. I have officially moved on from admin to medical track. I do foresee the road ahead to be very different but yet fulfilling.

Questions asked:

Why the medical track? It can be tiring and tedious.
My passion for social work sparked off when I was an executive in a department call Patient Empowerment and Community Engagement. As a junior exec, I've gained much knowledge from my assistant manager. Working for her side by side on the various initiatives that she is driving. We worked with various community partners and GPs to empower patients and deliver patient-centric care. My job scope was mainly working with external partners, implementing workflows and churning of data. I love the work that I was doing. However, something is missing and there was this urge to do more. I started researching "the other side" which refers to the community partners and I want to be the one to do the intervention work instead. Also, a passion for improving the quality of life for these patients.

So... Where to start?
I've applied for the Professional Conversion Program for social work and transferred to a new department call "Collaborative Care".
Studies (Grad-dip) - 1.5 years
Bond - 1.5 years

Of course, I will be pegged down for the time being and start off as a social work associate.

Why take Graduate Diploma and not Masters?
It's for those who already have a non-related first degree. There a few Pre-requisite Courses which I do have to take in UniSIM before proceeding on.
To qualified as a social worker - minimal you will need a Bachelor Degree in social work.

After my studies, what's next?
I will move on to be a full-fledged Medical Social Worker. 


Can't wait for tomorrow and the exciting journey ahead!