CAREforward: Speech by Ms Denise Phua, 1 Dec 2024

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Ms Denise Phua speech 2

Speech by Ms Denise Phua at CAREforward Launch on 1 December 2024, Sunday, 1:20pm, at Punggol Regional Library, Level 1 Atrium

Good afternoon caregivers and supporters, fellow Board Advisors and Members, and our invited guests,

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. 

Seeing all the amazing caregivers here today, you are living reminders that a caregiver also has the capacity to grow, to mentor, to contribute their strengths and experiences to the community, just as you have.

Yet many caregivers find themselves lost in the overwhelming flurry of caregiving duties and decisions, hurt and isolated by unkind expectations and judgment, and in despair when their efforts are unable to show fruit. 

How can we rally to reach them where they are, and support them in their healing journey?

One way is to make caregiving resources more widely available. The Healing Journal, thoughtfully crafted by caregivers, provides practical tools and reflective exercises to help caregivers:

  1. navigate their challenges, 
  2. embrace and care for their feelings, and 
  3. provide a safe space to share their dreams, goals and plans for themselves.

The inspiration behind The Healing Journal came from the caregivers who formed support groups that offer emotional support, shared experiences, and caregiving resources. All these are woven into this journal to help caregivers create their own personalised self-care toolkits and bring forth opportunities to heal.

No matter where you are on your journey, The Healing Journal is designed to help you understand your own needs better, find new ways to care for yourself, and access resources that can make a real difference in your life.

Every caregiver can touch the lives of many more. With your support, be it through contributing your support or volunteering, you can help caregivers be well and empowered

Thank you for being here today, for your belief in the power of caregivers and the community. Please enjoy the CAREforward event and visit the CaringSG booth to learn how you can make a difference!

CAREforward
Group photo with CAREcottage caregivers and families
CAREforward
Group photo with invited guests
CAREforward
Group photo with CaringSG staff
Advance Planning and Legal Considerations talk by Ms Peggy Yee
CAREforward
Mental Wellness with TCM by Lee Hui Fang
Ms Denise Phua's note to caregivers at the Encouragement Wall

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