A Love That Stayed: A Befriender's Journey Over Two Decades

When you first meet Polly, there is a lightness about her. She is warm, jovial, and easy to speak to. Something you might not expect, given the weight of the work she has carried for over twenty years.

As a volunteer befriender with aLife, she has walked alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies in Singapore, many of whom were navigating fear, uncertainty, and deeply personal decisions.

And yet, she stayed.

Polly Ng, aLife's (SUPeRF) long service award winner.

How It Began

Polly's journey into volunteering did not begin with a long-term plan.

"I started volunteering back in 2002," she recalls. "I was helping out at church, and Dr Peter Chew, founder of aLife, was giving a talk there. There was a call for volunteers, and I decided to help."

It was a simple decision. A quiet "yes."

"I've not looked back since."

Staying Through the Years

Over the years, Polly has seen how consistent, ground-level support can make a difference. "We have definitely contributed with our medical talks and work done at polyclinics," she shares.

In a society like Singapore, where conversations around unplanned pregnancy can feel difficult or hidden, access to support matters.

But for Polly, and as aLife believes, support is not only about programmes. It is also about presence.

Support Can Be Simple

When asked how society can better support women facing unplanned pregnancies, Polly's answer is practical.

"I feel that community groups such as RCs can provide more support at the ground level," she says. "Even the simple act of placing our brochures on unplanned pregnancy support and resources at the RCs will make a small difference."

It is a reminder that support does not always need to be complex.

Sometimes, it begins with visibility. With awareness. With making it just a little easier for someone to reach out.

Holding On to the Heart of the Work

For those who are just beginning their journey as volunteers, Polly offers a gentle encouragement.

"Don't ever forget your initial passion to help women with unplanned pregnancies and always keep our mission alive on your volunteer journey."

The work can be heavy at times. That is why community matters too.

"Sharing the challenges you face with your fellow volunteers also helps a lot," she adds. There is something grounding about walking this journey not alone, but alongside others who understand.

"And if you can save a life," she says simply, "it's a blessing. Every contribution counts."

A Moment That Stayed

Among the many years and many memories, there is one moment Polly remembers clearly.

"One day, while I was on duty at the polyclinic, there was a knock on the door," she recalls. Standing there was a woman she had once journeyed with. "In her arms was her baby."

A baby who, at one point, might not have been here.

"This baby brought me the greatest joy," she says. "It made all my work worthwhile."

It was not a loud moment. Not a dramatic one.

Just a quiet return. A life, held in someone's arms.

Heard and Held

Polly's journey is not defined by a single conversation or outcome. It is defined by showing up, again and again.

By listening.

By staying.

In the space of an unplanned pregnancy, where emotions can feel overwhelming and decisions heavy, what she offers is something simple, yet deeply meaningful.

A presence that says, "you are not alone."

And sometimes, that is where everything begins.

At aLife, befrienders like Polly, continue to walk alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering support, presence, and a space to be heard and held.

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, reach out to us at 9183 4483. You do not have to do this alone. We are here with you.