In February, Salimah Mohd Ayoob found herself in an unexpected situation when she received an urgent plea for help concerning a terminally ill patient at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Although Salimah holds the distinguished position of deputy director of nursing at SGH, this call was related to her volunteer work at Fitrah, a support program initiated by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore dedicated to aiding inmates, ex-offenders, and their families.

The call was from the husband of a patient battling advanced cancer, whose condition had left her unable to speak fully and in dire need of medical equipment to ease her suffering. As the hospital prepared to discharge her for home-based palliative care, the necessary equipment—a wheelchair and a special hospital bed—was delayed.

Salimah didn't hesitate. She stepped in to ensure the family received the support they needed, coordinating with social workers and providing emotional support during a tragically difficult time. Despite her best efforts, the patient passed away two months later, but Salimah’s involvement made a profound impact on her family, demonstrating the essential role that compassion and care play in healing, both physically and emotionally.

A Lifelong Commitment to Care

At 61, Salimah has dedicated 44 years of her life to nursing, primarily focused on patient care in a clinical setting. However, her passion extends far beyond the hospital walls as she takes on the mantle of a befriender, guiding those navigating the complex challenges that accompany incarceration and re-entry into society.

In her five years of befriending, Salimah has supported nearly 10 women, many of whom are mothers or wives of inmates. Her devotion to this cause was recently recognized with the Long Service Award during the 2024 Singapore Prison Service Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

Typically, Salimah begins her outreach with a home visit, assessing the physical and emotional needs of the families she assists. She works closely with Fitrah to offer support that includes financial assistance and job application help, ensuring that families of inmates not only survive but thrive despite their circumstances.

One poignant memory Salimah shared involved an elderly woman caring for three young grandchildren while navigating the challenges of her own children’s incarceration. When Salimah arrived at her home, she was struck by the woman’s strength in maintaining a loving environment for her grandchildren despite the adversity they faced.

Salimah's approach goes beyond mere support; she builds lasting connections with those she assists. She often provides her personal contact information, giving families a direct line of communication during their times of need.

The Journey with an Ex-Offender

Two years ago, Salimah expanded her befriending efforts to include ex-offenders, starting with a compassionate connection to a woman in her mid-forties who had faced challenges with drug use. Their relationship began with phone calls while the woman was still incarcerated and smoothly continued after her release in January 2023.

Through various forms of communication, Salimah provided encouragement and mentorship as this ex-offender navigated job searches, family dynamics, and personal recovery. "Everyone makes mistakes in life," she emphasizes, highlighting the societal stigma that often surrounds ex-offenders upon their reintegration. She believes that without a support system, many may feel compelled to revert to past behaviors, thus perpetuating a cycle of crime.

Salimah’s heartache extends to the families impacted by drug abuse and criminal behavior. Seeing the effects on children, she feels a passionate commitment to help ex-offenders rebuild their lives for the sake of future generations. “If they don’t change, what will happen to their children?” she contemplates, uniquely positioning her work within the context of family restoration.

Giving Back as a Lifelong Mission

Salimah's journey into community service began 20 years ago as a way to give back to those who face hardship. Growing up with limited resources as one of eight children, she learned the importance of compassion and giving back from an early age.

Reflecting on her childhood, Salimah recalls the struggles her family faced, yet she describes these experiences with gratitude. "I have no regrets," she says, attributing her drive for success to her upbringing and promising to change the narrative for those less fortunate.

She views her role as a befriender as an opportunity to be the light in someone’s dark times. “It may just be a simple text or a quick chat, but it can mean the world to someone in need,” she explains, underscoring the impact of even the smallest gestures of kindness.

A Community Reinvented

Salimah Mohd Ayoob's work serves as a reminder that the journey of recovery—whether from illness, incarceration, or life’s challenges—thrives on love, empathy, and the understanding that everyone deserves a second chance. Through her continuous efforts, she doesn’t just provide practical support; she fosters a sense of hope that reverberates through families and communities. As she forges unwavering connections, she proves that sometimes all it takes to rebuild a life is the friendship of someone who believes in you.