CAREcottage is an initiative by CaringSG to support special needs caregivers who have started enterprises to support their dependants and themselves.
This article was contributed by Shylyn Tan, a caregiver of four children, including a child with autism.
Hi, I’m Shylyn.
The Shy Crafter was inspired by my son, Isaac, who was diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) since he was 6 years old. Over time, while facilitating Isaac to alleviate his sensory disturbances with clay moulding, I discovered my passion for polymer clay crafts in late 2020.
Our goal is to build a platform to bring about more awareness of ASD, support inclusion and celebrate abilities through our polymer clay crafts, featuring dinosaur creations by Isaac, together with my miniature food and floral wearables.
Having just joined CaringSG in January 2024, we have been warmly welcomed by all the CAREcottage members.
Participating in CaringSG’s First CAREcottage Bazaar at SAFRA Punggol on 17 March 2024
This is our first-time boothing alongside some experienced CAREcottage members. We enjoyed ourselves greatly and learned a lot from the other caregivers.
Isaac had the privileged opportunity to meet Dr Lim Hong Huay and Guest-of-Honour Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, who gave him encouragement and acknowledgement to his works, motivating him to persevere in his clay crafts.
Customers can purchase handmade polymer clay dinosaur creations by Isaac Chang, the resident teenage clay artist with ASD.
Customers can also choose from a wide selection of handmade polymer clay miniature food and floral earrings and accessories by Shylyn, mum of Isaac.
On 1 December 2024, CaringSG brought together caregivers, supporters, and the community for an inspiring day at the CAREforward event, held at the Punggol Regional Library.
Caregiving is a journey filled with dedication and love, and also sacrifice, pain and loneliness. At CaringSG, we believe in deepening our support for caregivers through meaningful programmes and services that cater to their needs and well-being.
CaringSG empowers caregivers with the knowledge and skills to support other caregivers through the Caregiver Volunteer Training (CVT) programme, which is funded by SG Enable.
We are gathered here today at the launch of The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care and our CAREforward event, to celebrate the caregivers in our community.
The concept of CAREforward is a call to action for all of us to care-it-forward, empower and uplift one another.
CaringSG Limited is a charity led by caregivers to serve special needs caregivers and the community towards an inclusive and caring Singapore.
