Question 1

What on earth is this "HEAR BUDS" service?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

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 Call
2. 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 :)

Question 3

How can my Hear Bud help me?

Accepted Answer

We strongly believe that the simple act of sharing with someone about your difficulties, however big or small will have benefits for you.
 
There is no judgement here or anything complicated. Most of all, there is no stigma. You simply need to share whatever is on your mind, and we will listen and walk with your through your own solutions.
 
This isn't just passive listening either.
 
Our Hear Buds practice Person-Centred Psychology and are trained to ask questions to help you gain clarity. We ask reflective questions that help you find your own solutions and how you can get there.

Question 4

Why is this FREE? How many times can I use this?

Accepted Answer

We believe that EVERYONE should have access to someone to talk to about their struggles. No Singaporean should ever suffer alone.
 
That's why this service is absolutely FREE. 
 
You can book as many sessions as you want - we'll be there for you.

Question 5

Who can use this service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to use?

Accepted Answer

We only ask for your nick name and email so we can send you a zoom link.
 
Only your selected Hear Bud and Adminstrator will see this detail. Every Hear Bud has signed a confidentiality form vowing to keep all shared information under wraps.
 
All calls are not recorded and is only attended by your chosen Hear Bud. If you are uncomfortable with video, you can always opt for voice via zoom - this means you don't have to turn your video on if you don't want to!
 
Whatever happens in the conversation stays confidential.
 
The only exceptions are mentions or intentions of suicide, self-harm, harm to others including abuse, or criminal confessions or intentions.
 
We are not able to take calls of that matter - and are also obliged by law to break confidentiality if such circumstances arise.
 
Otherwise, yes, it's safe and we respect your confidentiality :)

Question 7

Can I talk about anything to my HEAR BUD?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, there is no problem too small to talk about!
 
Our Listening service is judgment-free, confidential and private. We welcome you to talk openly about your problems or struggles, including:
 
A specific problem that you're dealing with.
Relationship issues.
Dilemmas relating to work, school or life in general.
Feeling lonely and wanting to connect with someone.
A place to simply chat and be heard.
 
That said, the following topics are absolutely not allowed while using our service:
Any hate speech: defined as attacks on people's race, religion, sexual orientation, mental health, or serious disease or disability.
Sex Chats: This is not the place for it.
Personal information: no solicitation of any personal information, whether from our HEAR BUDS or of other users’ personal information.
Criminal intentions or confessions: as confidential as we hope our chats to be, we are not allowed to lawfully withhold information should there be mention of a crime or planning of a crime.
Any of the below topics: we are not qualified for to help in those areas. Do seek the right channel and resources instead.
 
Some topics are also beyond the abilities of our HEAR BUDS. If you experience any of the issues below, we are unable to assist. Instead, please do immediately seek professional advice. Check more on our resources page.
Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
Domestic Violence
Mental or Physical Health conditions
Teenage Pregnancy
Financial Assistance

Question 8

Who is a HEAR BUD?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 9

Is this considered counselling or therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do HEAR BUDs abide by any Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Like mentioned above - we are NOT counsellors, therapists, mental health professionals, nor are we life coaches in this space.
 
Thus, as we are not part of the above professions, their code of ethics are not suited for this avenue.
 
To be absolutely clear, we strive to be a community of people that simply want to tune into the struggles of others. We want to help purely via the mechanism of establishing human connection and a safe listening space.
 
That said, our HEAR BUDs abide by the following general guidelines:
To listen non-judgmentally and acceptingly.
To be genuine. 
To help and not to harm.
To not take calls or go into conversations that we are incapable or unqualified of going into.
To encourage individuals to seek the right avenues should they mention it.
To keep the contents of the conversation and any personal information you share before, during or after the call confidential - unless required strictly by the Law. The only reasons we would violate confidentiality is any intention of harm to yourself, to other people, or when you fear for someone’s life.
If you have any questions about this, do email us as itallstartshearsg@gmail.com

Mental Health x Community

Frequently Asked Questions

What on earth is this "HEAR BUDS" service?"

How does it work?

How can my Hear Bud help me?

Why is this FREE? How many times can I use this?

Who can use this service?

Is it safe for me to use?

Can I talk about anything to my HEAR BUD?

Who is a HEAR BUD?

Is this considered counselling or therapy?

Do HEAR BUDs abide by any Code of Ethics?

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