Volunteer Management Executive
CaringSG Limited is a charity led by caregivers to serve special needs caregivers and the community towards an inclusive and caring Singapore.
I’m Loy Sheau Mei, a CAREwell volunteer. Before I joined CAREwell, I’ve already been working with the autism community for the past 18 years.
Some time ago, when I was doing a home visit with my colleagues to support a family with 2 kids who were visually impaired and diagnosed with autism, I learnt more about CAREwell and CaringSG.
I also found out more about the CAREwell’s volunteering opportunities via social media and decided to join.
What is volunteering with CAREwell like?
When I started volunteering with CAREwell, I liked how CaringSG has a structure in place with clarity of the end-in-mind for the families they serve.
The CAREwell team uses a multi-disciplinary approach as we need to have inputs from different perspectives to support each family holistically.
Collaboration with family is one key aspect, and the CAREwell team starts small to gain trust from the family. We also have a commitment to be present to work with the family within a specific timeframe. This creates stability in our relationships with the caregivers, and caregivers will be more open and willing to follow up.
With the relationship built and little successes along the way, I have witnessed that the caregivers are more relaxed as they start to realise that there’re others like us who will walk the journey with them.
How can society be more understanding towards special needs caregivers?
I believe that the awareness is there, but on how to progress forward to be an inclusive society, much effort will be needed.
There are many myths about special needs and there is a need to present the facts about different special needs as there are so many differently-abled individuals among us. The misconception of special needs, and how to interact with them, at times leads to misunderstandings.
Post-school options are limited, and many caregivers are worried as to what’s next for their dependents. “Finding the what’s next” requires all stakeholders, including caregivers and respective agencies, to co-create this space.
Lastly, I would like to share this encouragement to all special needs caregivers:
Source: Quotefancy
Other Updates
CaringSG at Purple Parade, 12 Oct 2024
CaringSG is grateful to be part of the Purple Parade again in 2024! We marched with a contingent of more than 100 people, and showcased caregiver programmes, services and support groups at our booth.
Speech by Dr Lim Hong Huay at CaringSG Family Day on 7 September 2024
“The theme today is “Uplift Caregivers, Uplift Community,” because we don’t just want caregivers to do well; we also want the community to be strong. The reason why caregivers chip in is that we are building the community, not just for ourselves, but for our children and future generations.”
CaringSG Family Day: Uplift Caregivers, Uplift Community, 7 Sep 2024
CaringSG’s inaugural Family Day took place on 7th September 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Enabling Village. This special event, in partnership with Enabling Village, Singapore’s first inclusive community space, brings together the public, caregivers, persons with disabilities and their supporters for a day filled with learning, connection, and memorable experiences.
Closing Address by Mr Edwin Tan at CaringSG Family Day on 7 September 2024
“We are stronger together. Whether it’s joining a support group, marching side by side in the Purple Parade, sharing the healing power of a journal, or simply being there for each other, every action we take, no matter how small, contributes to a more compassionate and resilient community.”
Welcome Address by Dr David Ang at CaringSG Family Day on 7 September 2024
“CaringSG be focusing on providing you more support for mental health and financial resilience—whether it’s self-care, planning for the future, exploring career options, or simply ensuring you have someone to talk to when things get tough.”
