Every community should be inclusive, and the diversity of individuals makes the community vibrant. Caring for each other bonds the community and makes it resilient.
The definition of “special needs” can be taken from a broader perspective. With a rapidly ageing population there will be many individuals who will develop special needs and will need to be cared for.
With smaller family structure, a shrinking and ageing population, the act of caring for others, especially those with special needs require the collaborative effort of the community. Increasingly, the caregiver becomes someone who must be cared for.
High and rising costs and the lack of human capital can only be mitigated by innovative solutions. Shared services and the use of the Internet of Things can go along way to lessen such load. Challenges will remain to be overcome. The collaborative effort of the community will go a long way towards making remaining challenges bearable for many.
CaringSG is the catalyst which brings people together to work on the challenges which caregivers encounter. Even if you are not a caregiver, being involved with the efforts of CaringSG is investing in an uncertain future where you or a loved one may require care.
To be updated on CaringSG’s latest events and join your preferred caregiver support groups in our CaringSG Alliance Network (CAN), sign up as a CaringSG member and let us know your preference!
⛳ A Swing Towards New Experiences! ⛳
On 10 June, caregivers and their special needs dependents came together at Keppel Club for a morning of fun, focus, and first swings at CAREconnect: Parasport360 – Discover Golf!
On 20 June 2025, CaringSG held its June edition of the REAL TALK webinar series titled “You Are Not Alone,” a heartfelt and honest session for caregivers of children with special needs. Supported by SG Enable, the event created a compassionate space where real-life struggles were shared, emotions were validated, and hope was rekindled.
On 19 June 2025, CaringSG conducted our “How to Just Be There” training for 37 Mendaki staff, introducing the P.A.U.S.E.™ method — Prepare, Acknowledge, Understand, Sit with, Empathize — to equip participants with the mindset and tools to support individuals with special needs through presence, not pressure. Led by trainer Jansen Sng, the session was highly praised for its engaging approach, real-life relevance, and emotional impact.
Over six Sunday mornings, something special happened down at Changi Sailing Club. Through a joint effort between CaringSG and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), caregivers and their special needs dependents came together to pick up a new skill—sailing—in a setting that was equal parts fun, inclusive, and empowering.
On 17 April 2025, CaringSG hosted a deeply meaningful Self-Care Workshop facilitated by Julia Chan—caregiver, certified mental wellness coach, and author of The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care. With a nurturing approach shaped by her own lived experiences, Julia guided participants through practical tools to better care for themselves while supporting their loved ones.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the child’s interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Eliz’s creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
