KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching, a dedicated non-government organisation (NGO), has been providing essential support and necessities to numerous families and individuals living with mental health disorder for years.
These marginalised individuals are referrals from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Sentosa Hospital and Serian Hospital. Currently, Hope Place supports around 75 individuals with mental disabilities.
“One such family, under the care of Hope Place since 2019, has been receiving continuous basic food aid. Catherine Edwin, 53, is a mother and wife caring for four mentally disabled family members,” it said through a press statement today (May 21).
Her husband, Sai Bi, 63, suffers from long-term depression, rendering him incoherent and prone to wandering around the nearby village. Her two younger sons, aged 15 and 17, dropped out of school two years ago due to slow learning disabilities. Additionally, Catherine’s eldest son is also mentally ill and unable to work.
“Catherine has two other adult children, a daughter, who is married and lives elsewhere, and a 22-year-old son who had left the family home and has not been seen or heard ever since.
“Residing in a PPRT housing area in Semariang Baru, Kpg. Semerah Padi, the family’s house, though structurally good, is in a state of disarray,” it added.
Catherine constantly worries about her husband and their eldest son, and she has been busy managing their needs to prevent any unwanted trouble.
With a monthly financial aid of RM350 from social welfare and no other significant income, Catherine also relies on her son who works at a construction site, earning daily wages. Sometimes, her daughter occasionally come to visit and offer help.
Hope Place can be reached at 082-505987 with its opening hours starting from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays and 8.00 am to 12.00 pm on Saturdays.
Donations are welcomed and receipts are provided upon request. Contributions can be made directly to their bank account MBB: 511289001160 or through their Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code available on their Facebook page.
