If grief feels too heavy right now, call Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) on 1767 or the National Mindline on 1771, both 24 hours. For grief and bereavement support over the weeks ahead, Punggol residents can start with Punggol Family Service Centre, or Assisi Hospice’s free bereavement care, which is open to anyone bereaved.
We are so sorry. There is no right way to grieve, and no deadline for feeling better.
This page is part of eduKate Punggol’s When You Need Help in Punggol, our practical guides for life’s occasions, big and small. It covers what grief can feel like, gentle ways to cope, when to look for more help, and the grief and bereavement support Punggol families can reach, including services for seniors, widows and parents who have lost a child.
Quick answer
- Right now: SOS on 1767, CareText on 9151 1767 (WhatsApp) and the National Mindline on 1771, all 24 hours. If someone is in immediate danger, call 995.
- Close to home: Punggol Family Service Centre, Blk 616 Punggol Drive, #01-01, tel 6435 5323 (from a 2024 list; check live), for social work support and counselling referrals.
- Free bereavement care: Assisi Hospice, open to any bereaved person, on 6832 2650.
- For seniors and widows: SAGE Counselling Centre and Hua Mei support people aged 50 and above; Wicare supports widows and their children. Their numbers come from a 2024 list, so check live.
- Support groups: we did not find a bereavement support group that meets in Punggol. Options outside Punggol are below.
- When to seek more help: if grief is still disrupting daily life after about six months, or at any time if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Grief and Bereavement Support: First Steps
HealthHub, MOH’s health portal, says there is no set period for grieving, and that not everyone goes through the “five stages” or in the same order. These small steps, drawn from its advice, can help in the early weeks.
- If you are in danger, get help now. Call 995, or SOS on 1767. You do not need to explain or justify the call.
- Look after your body. HealthHub suggests small, healthy meals, enough sleep, naps if nights are hard, and short walks.
- Keep simple routines. Break tasks into small steps. Getting dressed and eating breakfast count.
- Reach out to one person. Someone you trust, a helpline or a grief support group. You do not need to talk to everyone.
- Hold off on big decisions. HealthHub advises against major life changes too soon, such as moving house.
- Talk to a social worker. The Singapore Hospice Council suggests approaching a social worker at a health or social service organisation you already know. In Punggol, the Family Service Centre is a good start.
- Plan for the hard dates. Anniversaries and festivals can bring grief back. HealthHub suggests spending them with others.
- Write it down. A grief journal is one of HealthHub’s suggestions for the thoughts you cannot yet say out loud.
Where to Find Bereavement Support Near Punggol
Apart from the Family Service Centre, none of these services is in Punggol, but all can be reached by phone. Most listings come from the Singapore Hospice Council’s directory, dated April 2024. We rechecked Assisi Hospice and SOS in October 2026; for the others, please check live before you rely on a number.
| Who | Contact | Hours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | 1767; CareText 9151 1767 (WhatsApp) | 24 hours | Crisis support, including for people bereaved by suicide. |
| National Mindline | 1771 | 24 hours | Mental health support and a listening ear. |
| Punggol Family Service Centre | Blk 616 Punggol Drive, #01-01, Singapore 820616. Tel 6435 5323 (from an August 2024 list; check live). | See our FSC guide | Social work support and counselling referrals, in Punggol. |
| Assisi Hospice Grief & Bereavement Care | 832 Thomson Road, Singapore 574627. Tel 6832 2650, bereavementcare@assisihospice.org.sg (replies within three working days). | Not stated | Free care for any bereaved person. |
| Counselling and Care Centre | 6536 6366 (check live) | Not stated | Bereavement counselling. |
| Viriya Community Services | 6256 1311 (check live) | Not stated | Individuals and families affected by loss. |
| O’Joy | 6749 0190 (check live) | Not stated | Grief counselling for adults 18 and over. |
| SAGE Counselling Centre | 6354 1191; helpline 1800 555 5555 (check live) | Not stated | Bereaved seniors aged 50 and above, and their families and caregivers. |
| Hua Mei Counselling and Coaching (Tsao Foundation) | 6593 9549; counselling 9048 4987 (check live) | Not stated | Grieving older people aged 50 and above. |
| Wicare Support Group | 6354 1941 or 9616 5091 (check live) | Not stated | Widows and their children. |
| Care Corner Mandarin Counselling (listed by NEA) | 1800 353 5800 | 10am–10pm daily | Counselling in Mandarin. |
| National Family Service Centre Helpline (listed by NEA) | 1800 838 0100 | Not stated | Family support and referrals. |
Checked October 2026 — confirm on the official page before you go: the Singapore Hospice Council’s bereavement directory, Assisi Hospice grief and bereavement care and SOS contact page.
Which Situation Fits You
After a long illness
If your loved one had a palliative or hospice team, ask them first: AIC lists bereavement care as part of home palliative care. Assisi Hospice’s outreach and its six-monthly Interfaith Memorial Service are for families of its own patients, but its bereavement counselling is open to anyone.
After a sudden or traumatic death
The Singapore Hospice Council says people who lose someone suddenly, too young, or without any chance to prepare may need extra support. SOS also supports people bereaved by suicide. Please reach out early rather than waiting to see if it passes.
An older parent who has lost their spouse
SAGE Counselling Centre and Hua Mei both work with people aged 50 and above. If your parent is hesitant, offer to make the first call together.
A widow with young children
Wicare Support Group is for widows and their children. For how to talk to children about a death, see our guide to helping children cope after a loss.
After the loss of a child
The Singapore Hospice Council names the loss of a child among the losses that may need extra support. Child Bereavement Support (Singapore), at cbss.sg, is a peer group set up by bereaved parents and listed by KKH. Our page on pregnancy loss and stillbirth has more for parents.
You would like to join a group
We did not find a bereavement group meeting in Punggol. Assisi Hospice runs a support group for people at least six months after their loss, who can attend at least three of its four sessions. Before then, one-to-one support may suit you better.
Costs, Leave and Who May Need More Support
- Assisi Hospice: “There is no charge for our bereavement care services.”
- Other providers: the directory does not list fees, so ask when you call.
- Compassionate leave: it is not part of the Employment Act. MOM lists it as non-statutory leave, paid or unpaid, so check your contract or ask HR.
- Who may need extra help: the Singapore Hospice Council lists a sudden or traumatic loss, limited support around you, the loss of a child, several losses in the family, and a history of mental health conditions or past suicidal thoughts.
Gentle Tips for the Months Ahead
- Expect waves, not a straight line. HealthHub says grief can show up in your body, thoughts and behaviour, from poor sleep to trouble concentrating.
- Let feelings be mixed. Sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety and sometimes relief are all on HealthHub’s list of common reactions.
- Go easy on alcohol. HealthHub suggests avoiding alcohol, overeating, smoking and other substances as ways of coping.
- Mark the anniversary together. Plan who you will spend the first death anniversary and festivals with, before they arrive.
- Keep something to remember them by. The Singapore Hospice Council describes rituals and memory boxes as helpful.
- Walk by the water. A slow loop of the Punggol Waterway is a quiet place to think. Our nature and wellbeing guide has ideas.
- Accept specific help. When someone asks what they can do, give them a real job: a meal, a school pick-up, an hour’s company.
When Grief Needs More Help
HealthHub suggests professional help if symptoms last more than six months or are distressing and disruptive. Signs include an intense longing for the person or a wish to join them, pain that is not easing, cutting yourself off, being unable to keep up with eating, sleeping or work, constant self-blame, feeling worthless or hopeless, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. As HealthHub puts it, seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, call 995 if there is immediate danger, or SOS on 1767 or CareText 9151 1767 at any hour. The National Mindline on 1771 is open 24 hours. Our mental health help page has the full list of crisis lines and counselling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does grief last?
HealthHub says there is no set period for grieving. If it is still disrupting daily life after about six months, that is a good time to look for professional support.
Is it normal to feel angry, or even relieved?
Yes. HealthHub lists anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness and sometimes relief among common emotions in grief.
Is there a grief support group in Punggol?
We did not find one. Punggol Family Service Centre can help locally, and Assisi Hospice runs groups for people at least six months after their loss.
Is bereavement counselling free?
Assisi Hospice’s bereavement care is free. Other providers do not publish fees in the directory, so ask when you call.
Can I get compassionate leave?
It depends on your employer. Compassionate leave is not required by law; MOM lists it as non-statutory leave, so check your contract or HR policy.
How can I help a grieving neighbour or friend?
Offer practical help and keep checking in, weeks and months later. Our guide to helping a neighbour through a crisis has more ideas.
More Help on eduKate Punggol
- Mental health help in Punggol: crisis lines and counselling.
- Family Service Centres and support services in Punggol
- When someone dies in Punggol: registration, funerals and wakes.
- Pregnancy loss and stillbirth support
- Nature and mental wellbeing in Punggol
- Official: HealthHub: coping with grief · Singapore Hospice Council: reaching out to those in grief · Assisi Hospice bereavement care
Carrying Them With You
Grief tends to change shape over time rather than simply end. Be patient with yourself, let people in, and use the lines above whenever you need them, today or a year from now.
There is no hurry, but whenever you feel ready, we are here for the rest of family life too. And if your family is also looking for calm, small-group English, Mathematics or Science, eduKate Punggol teaches classes of three in Punggol. Come find out more: Book a consultation · Chat on WhatsApp
eduKate Punggol
Small-group English, Mathematics and Science
Primary and Secondary
By appointment · +65 8823 1234
← Previous: Death overseas · All help guides · Next: Helping children cope →
Checked October 2026. Addresses, opening hours, fees and rules change, so please confirm with the official source before you go.
