Outreach

Just completed an outreach activity under my agency today. With Singapore consisting mainly of flats, doing door to door knocking can be an especially tiring endeavour, especially on this especially hot and sunny Sunday morning. 

Today's programme was made easier through the multiple collaborative efforts of the grassroots organisations, as well as representatives from the Police and Town Council; truly a systemic approach I must say. Of course, I had the help of my friend Mr Boon who came to volunteer. The door to door visits (discounting the numbers who were not at home) were completed within 2 hours, and I must say, we managed to identify a number of families requiring assistance, as well as a sizeable number of elderly who may also benefit from the programme we are currently running in the area. 

Things I learnt today

1. Wear comfortable polo shirts (polo because they are more formal than normal tees). I recommend cotton, and the ones that don't show splotches on your body when you are sweating, which I did on a profuse level.
2. Start from the top of the block. Naturally gravity will run its course as you go down the block, and reduces the aches and minimises the sweat (but if you are wearing a Cotton Polo Tee with non visible sweat markings, this might be ok)
3. When in doubt call the police. The police are called for every matter from loan shark disturbances, abused cats, and noisy neighbours. When you think something is out of your job description, it may most likely be under the Police. 
4. Drink lots of water. Hydration = important.
5. Plan the route: early planning as well as groupings for the home visits will make the outreach more time focused and efficient. 
6. Have a mini celebration cum debrief at the end: with catered food provided during the debrief, spirits will be up!
7. Take note of everything. Be aware of anything out of order observed during the house visits. You never know when there are underlying family issues or concerns that may need to be addressed. Especially if there are cases of abuse. 
8. Sleep early the night before, something I didn't do, and suffered the consequences the next morning. 

 

 On an unrelated note, I had a nightmare about Freddie Krueger today when I napped in the afternoon. Whatsup with that?

Happy Mother's Day Everyone! (Will do a post on that if I have time)