Latest news with #SOS
The Star
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Inspiring change
My family is the motivation behind my advocacy work. My dad suffered a stroke as a result of smoking, and now he can't move his leg and struggles to speak. With better public policy, others will not have to suffer like our family. My parents are very supportive of me because they are victims of smoking. My dad has decided to quit not just because of the illness, but also because he has heard me speak to international audiences and it made him cry. But what really made me want to deep dive into tobacco control happened nine years ago. My friends and I were arrested for organising a student protest at a tobacco event that was promoting these harmful products to youth. When we got out of jail, there were many activists like us waiting outside and they said, 'We will back you up. If you are not allowed home, we too will not go home.' That crucial moment led me here. Manik Marganamahendra Executive director Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC), Jakarta, Indonesia Manik has played a pivotal role in campaigns such as #SaveOurSurroundings (SOS), which raises awareness about the wide-ranging impact of tobacco, including its economic, human rights, and environmental consequences. In just one year, the SOS Movement has successfully engaged with five regional government offices, five national ministries, and more than 10 local and national legislative bodies in support of stronger tobacco control policies. For his decade-long contributions in tobacco control advocacy, Manik was recently named a Global Young Ambassador of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids – a recognition of his leadership on the international stage. I started on this path eight years ago. My father was a chain smoker for decades. Now, he is facing serious health complications and my mother, who never puffed on a single cigarette, had to battle breast cancer after years of exposure to second-hand smoke. As a basketball coach, I've watched with growing concern as e-cigarettes make their way into the hands of my young charges. Disguised in sleek packaging and marketed as cool, these vapes are falsely said to be harmless. What's worse, some of them believe it. To see kids as young as 13 having access to these devices is frustrating and alarming. I refuse to watch another generation be dragged into a cycle of addiction, illness and environmental harm caused by tobacco. Gene Navarra Gesite Jr. Project coordinator Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC), Philippines Gesite is an international affairs professional with over eight years of experience in policy analysis, project development and management, research, and international relations. At GGTC, he oversees project implementation and supports campaign and advocacy efforts to promote the universal adoption and enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Gesite also serves as the coordinator of the Global Youth Voices (GYV), a movement that unites global, regional and local youth organisations in over 130 countries, to make the industry pay for the harms caused by tobacco to the planet and its people. His work focuses on coalition-building, strategic partnerships, and global campaigns that empower youth advocacy, capacity-building, and awareness-raising initiatives. Like many young people, I got involved in fighting tobacco because it was harming those I cared about. It started when the same friends I had swum lap after lap with in the pool began vaping flavoured e-cigarettes between practices. I remember watching them disappear into bathrooms that had become vape lounges. Out of concern, I confided in my seventh-grade health teacher, who soon taught me about the dangers of these devices. Our conversation turned my protective instinct into purpose. I set out on a mission to create change through collective learning and activism, and helped build the first tobacco prevention programmes at my middle and high schools. Agamroop Kaur Youth ambassador Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Appointed by former California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to the Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee, the student of cognitive science and global health at University of California, Los Angeles, began her tobacco control advocacy at age 12, creating prevention programmes at her school. The 2022 Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year started her tobacco control advocacy so that her younger siblings, cousins and the students who come after her can learn and grow in a safe environment. She produced the award-winning documentary 'Big Tobacco, Bigger Epidemic', which examines corporate influence and regulatory failures behind the US youth e-cigarette crisis, and has served on the board of directors of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
UPI
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' tops album chart for 8th week
Country singer Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" tops the Billboard 200 album chart for an eighth, straight week. File Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo July 19 (UPI) -- Country star Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem is the No. 1 album in the United States for an eighth week. Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is the soundtrack to KPop Demon Hunters, followed by Wallen's One Thing at a Time at No. 3, SZA's SOS at No. 4 and Sabrina Carpenter's Short n'Sweet at No. 5. Rounding out the top tier are Wallen's Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 6, Bad Bunny's Debi Tirar Mas Fotos at No. 7, Karol G's Tropicoqueta at No. 8, Toby Keith's 35 Biggest Hits at No. 9 and PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake's $ome $exy $ongs 4 U at No. 10. Billboard Music Awards: 18 Top Artist winners Taylor Swift arrives on the red carpet at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, N.Y., on September 11, 2024. Swift took home Top Artist in 2023, 2015 and 2013. Photo by Derek C. French/UPI | License Photo
AsiaOne
a day ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - A total of 314 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2024, with the highest increase recorded among adults aged 30 to 39. Suicide remained the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 29 for the sixth consecutive year, according to data from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's (ICA) Registration of Births and Deaths Report 2024, which was published in July. Of the 314 suicide deaths in 2024, 64.3 per cent - or 202 - of the cases were males, like in previous years. The number of adults aged 30 to 39 who died by suicide rose from 43 in 2023 to 75 in 2024. The suicide death rate in Singapore is currently 5.91 per 100,000 residents. These numbers from ICA's report are provisional, which means they are preliminary or estimated data that have not yet been finalised. Previously, a total of 322 suicides were reported in Singapore in 2023 based on a provisional figure from ICA in its 2024 report. This number of suicide deaths for 2023 has since been finalised to 434, recording a 34.8 per cent increase. The Straits Times has contacted ICA for more information on the spike in numbers between provisional and finalised data. ST understands that ICA started providing provisional data for suicide deaths only in 2023. The final number of suicide deaths in a year will be provided by ICA in the following year's Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said in a statement on July 19 that adults aged 30 to 39, who recorded the highest increase in suicide deaths, often face complex pressures during this life stage that are related to family problems, job stability, and mental health challenges. [[nid:570444]] These stressors are observed among those who have reached out to SOS via its 24-hour Hotline and 24-hour CareText services. SOS' patron and Senior Minister of State for Education Dr Janil Puthucheary said: "We are determined to keep striving to reduce the number of suicides. Each represents an individual and a family struggling with a tragedy." "We will continue to do our best working with our volunteers and partners, collaborate and equip them to serve individuals and families who are trying to cope with a crisis. We are grateful to all who step forward to help and hope to encourage more to join us." Chief executive of SOS Gasper Tan said: "The number of suicide deaths reported is a reminder that our work is far from over, especially among adults aged 30 to 39. We must continue to invest in building a compassionate and connected society where no one has to struggle alone." As part of its suicide prevention efforts, SOS has trained more than 6,000 people through its Be A Samaritan programme since its launch in 2022. Participants are taught to recognise signs of distress, and learn ways to approach them with empathy and guide them toward community resources. SOS developed a similar programme called Be A Samaritan Junior in Nov 2024 to help youth aged 14 to 16 detect signs of distress among their peers and encourage early help-seeking. In 2024, SOS provided in-person counselling services and support groups to 1,112 individuals who struggled with suicide thoughts or attempts, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928 This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
New Paper
a day ago
- Health
- New Paper
314 suicide deaths reported in S'pore in 2024; sharp rise among 30-39 age group
A total of 314 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2024, with the highest increase recorded among adults aged 30 to 39. Suicide remained the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 29 for the sixth consecutive year, according to data from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's (ICA) Registration of Births and Deaths Report 2024, which was published in July. Of the 314 suicide deaths in 2024, 64.3 per cent - or 202 - of the cases were males, like in previous years. The number of adults aged 30 to 39 who died by suicide rose from 43 in 2023 to 75 in 2024. The suicide death rate in Singapore is currently 5.91 per 100,000 residents. These numbers from ICA's report are provisional, which means they are preliminary or estimated data that have not yet been finalised. Previously, a total of 322 suicides were reported in Singapore in 2023 based on a provisional figure from ICA in its 2024 report. This number of suicide deaths for 2023 has since been finalised to 434, recording a 34.8 per cent increase. The Straits Times has contacted ICA for more information on the spike in numbers between provisional and finalised data. ST understands that ICA started providing provisional data for suicide deaths only in 2023. The final number of suicide deaths in a year will be provided by ICA in the following year's report. The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said in a statement on July 19 that adults aged 30 to 39, who recorded the highest increase in suicide deaths, often face complex pressures during this life stage that are related to family problems, job stability, and mental health challenges. These stressors are observed among those who have reached out to SOS via its 24-hour Hotline and 24-hour CareText services. SOS' patron and Senior Minister of State for Education Dr Janil Puthucheary said: "We are determined to keep striving to reduce the number of suicides. Each represents an individual and a family struggling with a tragedy." "We will continue to do our best working with our volunteers and partners, collaborate and equip them to serve individuals and families who are trying to cope with a crisis. We are grateful to all who step forward to help and hope to encourage more to join us." Chief executive of SOS Gasper Tan said: "The number of suicide deaths reported is a reminder that our work is far from over, especially among adults aged 30 to 39. We must continue to invest in building a compassionate and connected society where no one has to struggle alone." As part of its suicide prevention efforts, SOS has trained more than 6,000 people through its Be A Samaritan programme since its launch in 2022. Participants are taught to recognise signs of distress, and learn ways to approach them with empathy and guide them toward community resources. SOS developed a similar programme called Be A Samaritan Junior in Nov 2024 to help youth aged 14 to 16 detect signs of distress among their peers and encourage early help-seeking. In 2024, SOS provided in-person counselling services and support groups to 1,112 individuals who struggled with suicide thoughts or attempts, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The suicide death rate in Singapore is currently 5.91 per 100,000 residents. SINGAPORE - A total of 314 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2024, with the highest increase recorded among adults aged 30 to 39. Suicide remained the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 29 for the sixth consecutive year, according to data from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's (ICA) Registration of Births and Deaths Report 2024, which was published in July . Of the 314 suicide deaths in 2024, 64.3 per cent - or 202 - of the cases were males, like in previous years. The number of adults aged 30 to 39 who died by suicide rose from 43 in 2023 to 75 in 2024. The suicide death rate in Singapore is currently 5.91 per 100,000 residents. These numbers from ICA's report are provisional, which means they are preliminary or estimated data that have not yet been finalised. Previously, a total of 322 suicides were reported in Singapore in 2023 based on a provisional figure from ICA in its 2024 report. Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) This number of suicide deaths for 2023 has since been finalised to 434, recording a 34.8 per cent increase. The Straits Times has contacted ICA for more information on the spike in numbers between provisional and finalised data. ST understands that ICA started providing provisional data for suicide deaths only in 2023. The final number of suicide deaths in a year will be provided by ICA in the following year's report. The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said in a statement on July 19 that adults aged 30 to 39, who recorded the highest increase in suicide deaths, often face complex pressures during this life stage that are related to family problems, job stability, and mental health challenges. These stressors are observed among those who have reached out to SOS via its 24-hour Hotline and 24-hour CareText services. SOS' patron and Senior Minister of State for Education Dr Janil Puthucheary said: 'We are determined to keep striving to reduce the number of suicides. Each represents an individual and a family struggling with a tragedy.' 'We will continue to do our best working with our volunteers and partners, collaborate and equip them to serve individuals and families who are trying to cope with a crisis. We are grateful to all who step forward to help and hope to encourage more to join us.' Chief executive of SOS Gasper Tan said: 'The number of suicide deaths reported is a reminder that our work is far from over, especially among adults aged 30 to 39. We must continue to invest in building a compassionate and connected society where no one has to struggle alone.' As part of its suicide prevention efforts , SOS has trained more than 6,000 people through its Be A Samaritan programme since its launch in 2022. Participants are taught to recognise signs of distress, and learn ways to approach them with empathy and guide them t oward community resources. SOS developed a similar programme called Be A Samaritan Junior in Nov 2024 to help youth aged 14 to 16 detect signs of distress among their peers and encourage early help-seeking. In 2024, SOS provided in-person counselling services and support groups to 1,112 individuals who struggled with suicide thoughts or attempts, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
