The development of social services in Singapore has its roots in the influx of migrants during the colonial period. Often coming with little to no possessions, early migrants needed a network of support that could help them establish a new life here.

They also had social needs across different stages of life for which they may have required help:

• Food and other forms of sustenance to carry out duties and obligations every day.
• Income, housing, etc. to help meet basic survival needs and provide for families (whether back in paces of origin or in Singapore).
• Healthcare, financial assistance, social networks, etc. to help tide over times of sickness and unanticipated emergencies and crises.
• Community networks and educational services to enable people to work towards their aspirations for themselves and their children.
• End-of-life care when people are terminally ill and eventually pass on

There are social services for every one of those “cradle-to-grave” moments. The selection of sites for Trail is anchored by this question: “Where can an individual or a family go in times of need to find the social support to meet their basic needs and their aspirations?”
Through the stories told at each site, the Trail celebrates the growth of Singapore’s social service sector from its beginnings in the colonial period, and showcases the development of social services to meet social needs at every stage of life.

It also highlights the diversity of community groups, across race and religion, that galvanised themselves to help those in need. Finally, by tracing the historical development of the various areas of social service, the Trail shows the dynamic evolution of the relationship between the community and the state in providing social support.