Night fell as a team of five social workers from Limitless mobilised for an urgent mission last June: Finding a 17-year-old girl at high risk of suicide.
Earlier that evening, she had sent a distressing message to a volunteer on the Safehouse server, a support network run by the non-profit organisation on social platform Discord, recalls Limitless founder Mr Asher Low, 37.
Despite the volunteer’s best efforts to calm her down, the girl, who had a history of suicidal tendencies, went silent, says Mr Low. The team could not get in touch with the girl’s parents. They knew they had to act quickly.
Fanning out across the Housing Board neighbourhood, they combed stairwells of multiple blocks. Their hearts were heavy with worry as they scanned every shadowy corner, hoping to find her before it was too late.
This mission embodies Limitless’ goal: To provide a safe space and support for struggling youth. Launched in 2016, Limitless aims to make mental health services more accessible to youth.
“When people think about mental health services, they picture therapists’ offices, counselling sessions or sterile hospital rooms,” Mr Low, who is also its executive director, says.
But he and his team of 15 counsellors, social workers and psychologists take a “more holistic approach” to helping troubled youth.
Mr Low explains that Limitless recognises the impact that life events and circumstances have on mental health. The organisation’s work goes beyond providing support, therapy and casework services for teenagers aged 13 to 19.
It’s about showing up for the troubled youth when they need it most, Mr Low says.
For example, helping them get back to school, find a job, or even assisting in the search for a lost pet. “These are (some of the) ancillary things we do to (support their recovery).”
Limitless’ services are free for youth. Cost is often a factor, alongside the need for parental consent and social stigma, that prevents struggling youth from seeking help, he adds.
It also organises outreach and public education programmes through workshops, booths and talks.
Help is nearby
Each year, Limitless supports about 1,000 to 1,200 young people grappling with mental health issues, says Mr Low.
It’s a significant number; but with rising mental health challenges in Singapore, he sees an urgent need to expand their reach.