Well, we are a volunteer-based ground-up initiative started by ordinary Singaporeans. There were times in our lives when we had no one to turn to, when all we hoped for was someone who would simply listen without judgement or give unwarranted advice. We wondered - "What if we trained people to become effective listeners, while also giving them the collaborative tools to help others and journey together with them?" This led to the creation of the HEAR BUDS service, which is about providing one-to-one real time listening and friendship over a Zoom 1) Video or 2) Voice call session. It's a space where you can talk about anything - be it your struggles or about a specific problem in your life. Each session is 40-minutes long. It's entirely confidential, judgment-free and a space for you to share openly with a real person who can really understand what's going on. It's a space to be the real you.

You can browse our HEAR BUDS on this page. Find a time that fits you and that HEAR BUD. When you book, please indicate if you prefer:1. A Video Call2. A Voice Call After that, read through the disclaimers and give your HEAR BUD some notice about what you wanted to talk about. Then Book It!!! Following that, you'll receive a zoom link in your email. Whether it is you've selected video or voice, everything will be held in zoom! When the scheduled time arrives, join that zoom link and start chatting! We'll be listening :)

Currently, we welcome all Singaporeans aged 18+ to book a HEAR BUD! We are still working out a safe and legally-abiding route to serve those under the age of 18. For now, if that's you, you can find more resources under our resources page. Before using our services, please also note that some topics would be encouraged by us to talk about, as well as some the topics that are not allowed. You can read more in the next question.

All HEAR BUDs are volunteers that are selected through a careful interview and screening process. They either already have a background in professional listening or counselling, or will undergo a training program. Their training consists of Person Centred Therapy, including active listening and what it takes to unconditionally accept someone. We also take them through the ethics involved in listening, such as to do no harm and to avoid giving advice. Lastly, we work on asking reflective questions to collaboarate with you in finding your own solutions for your life. Their coaching continues on-the-job, until a stage when they feel entirely comfortable to listen on their own. Following which, we support each other in peer support groups! We welcome HEAR BUDs from all backgrounds and walks of life. Visit this page if you're interested in joining our community of friendly listeners!

No. This service is not a replacement for professional counselling or psychotherapy. We view our service at the level of community care, with counselling and therapy being at the clinical care level. Our Listeners are not trained clinical professionals and cannot give advice or therapy on medical, mental or health issues. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact the relevant emergency hotline or see your doctor immediately.