\n<\/p>\n
For more than a decade now, Madam Noor Ani Mohd Jadi has been the main caregiver to her four children as her husband works in Johor Bahru, currently as a general waste subcontractor.<\/p>\n
The family used to live together in Malaysia, but Mdm Noor Ani moved back to Singapore with her children, now aged 12 to 18, when her eldest daughter started primary school. Her husband still lives in Johor Bahru, returning to Singapore only once a week.<\/p>\n
Mdm Noor Ani, 50, previously ran an online apparel business, which gave her the flexibility to manage household and caregiving responsibilities while earning an income. However, the business slowed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
To tide the family over, she began receiving financial assistance from ComCare and other aid organisations in recent years. She was put onto ComLink in 2022 and later transitioned to ComLink+ after its launch.<\/p>\n
Since then, she has worked closely with her family coach, Ms Nur Halizah Abdul Hamid, to move from self-employment to part-time work as a guest experience guide at a virtual reality store, which offers immersive gaming experiences, while still running her online apparel business on the side.<\/p>\n
The part-time work has given her greater financial stability in meeting the family’s basic needs, while still allowing her to be present for her children, she said.<\/p>\n
Her situation has improved such that Mdm Noor Ani said she has no intention of reapplying for financial assistance for now, given the more stable flow of earnings into the household.<\/p>\n
Comparing ComLink+ with the financial assistance she previously received, Mdm Noor Ani said a key advantage is the scheme’s holistic approach, as well as the human touch provided by her family coach, Ms Halizah.<\/p>\n
Beyond practical support, such as introducing Mdm Noor Ani to her current job, Ms Halizah also provided crucial emotional support, checking in on her as she adjusted and transitioned back into formal employment, she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Halizah also linked her to a volunteer befriender, whom Mdm Noor Ani described as a “big brother” to her children. He has even taken them on outings, which made the children very happy, she added.<\/p>\n
“With financial assistance, there is no human touch. Every month, they basically just bank whatever amount that they have mentioned. They will settle the outstanding (utilities bills) directly with SP and credit it directly to the bill, and then the rest is for my daily expenses.”<\/p>\n
Under ComLink+, however, she receives much more, she said.<\/p>\n
“The family coach and befriender will ask how we’re doing, how the children are doing \u2026 Overall, it’s more in-depth compared to the previous (assistance) I received,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Mdm Noor Ani recalled how she once felt alone, with no one to turn to, while juggling personal health issues and financial difficulties on top of caring for her children. In Ms Halizah, she found the listening ear she needed.<\/p>\n
“Halizah is more than a family coach. Along the way, she has become a friend. I know she always has my back, and I can just talk to her anytime \u2026 She really went beyond her duties.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n