Come to us if you’re burdened, says MFMW

 

Social worker holds workshop on mental wellness for clients of the MFMW shelter, Bethune House

Among the groups that have expressed immediate alarm at two suicide cases involving Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong in recent days was the Mission for Migrant Workers, a non-government organization formed 44 years ago to help migrant workers in distress.

MFMW’s founder and general manager Cynthia Tellez said migrant workers should immediately seek help if they find themselves feeling distressed and lost because of some problem.

“Kapag may pinagdaraanan ka at pakiramdam mo ay wala ka nang susulingan, sa simula pa lang, naririto po ang Mission for Migrant Workers na handang makinig at magbigay ng hakbang para sa paghanap ng solusyon,” Tellez said.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

“Mahalaga ang buhay ng bawa’t isa.”

(If you’re going through a problem and you feel like you have nowhere to run, the Mission for Migrant Workers is always here to listen and provide you with the steps that you can take in looking for a solution. Everyone’s life is important).

The MFMW has long partnered with groups like St John’s Counseling Service and Dignity Institute to provide support for migrant workers in distress. From time to time, it also organizes  mental health workshops for migrant workers together with professionals.

Through its shelter Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, the MFMW also provides a safe space for migrants who need to remain in Hong Kong while battling personal and legal challenges.

Basahin ang detalye!

Meanwhile, family members of the Filipina domestic helper who killed herself by hanging and slitting her wrists on Wednesday, Apr. 16, confirmed that the victim was under extreme financial pressure at the time.

However, they were unsure as to how she ended up borrowing from loan sharks when she was paid a monthly salary that was double the average, and was making extra money as a massage therapist.

One family member said they were all hurting because the OFW stopped communicating with all of her relatives and friends a week or two before she committed suicide.

“Nag try kami mag reach out kaso ignored kami lahat…no family arguments or fights. Ang alam naming it’s because of borrowing from a loan shark. Maybe she was threatened at di na niya kinaya.”

(We tried to reach out to her but she ignored us all. There were no family arguments or rights. All we know was that she had borrowed money from a loan shark. Maybe she was threatened and she could no longer take it).

Nine days earlier, another OFW also slashed her wrists and overdosed on medicines in an attempt to kill herself, but was luckily found by her employer on time, and was saved.

She left behind a suicide note indicating she was in financial distress. Friends later said she had borrowed a huge sum for someone who did not pay, and stopped communicating with her.

Migrant workers who are distressed may call the hotline of the Mission for Migrant Workers, 9529 2326 or the Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge, 9338 0035.

Those with suicidal thoughts or undergoing depression could call any of the following hotlines, at any time of the day:

The Samaritans at 2896 0000,  the Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000, The Care Health Project at 2827 2525 or CEASE Crisis Centre of Tung Wah Groups of Hospitals at 18281.

Filipino domestic workers may also call the Migrant Workers Office hotline at 6345 9324.

In addition, the HK government’s hotline 18111 can provide support for residents with mental health needs.