A New Dawn for CaringSG: Reflections and Hopes for 2025
Today, the new dawn of 2025 brings new joy and hope for CaringSG.
The inaugural CaringSG Family Day event, 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, brought together the public, caregivers, persons with disabilities and their supporters for a day filled with learning, connection, and memorable experiences.
It was made possible with funding by i’mable, SG Enable’s public education initiative, which celebrates the abilities of persons with disabilities and encourages more individuals to take positive action for disability inclusion and commit to building a more inclusive society and enabling lives.
A Day Tailored for Caregivers and Public to Learn About Caregiving
The CaringSG Family Day offered a range of activities that were free for over 200 caregivers, their families, and the public, as well as ticketed events that offered opportunities to learn about disability and specialised services.
Ticketed Events:
- Inspiring Talks: Caregivers and families heard from expert speakers who shared valuable insights on key topics such as financial and legal matters, mental wellness, and strategies for successful careers and entrepreneurship.
1. Plan Early and Smart for Your Special Needs Loved Ones by Ms Wheeki Goh from Special Needs Trust Company
2. Practical Advice on Key Financial-Legal Matters for Parents with Special Needs Concerns by Mr Benjamin Foo, Author of ‘Safeguard Your Family’s Future’
3. Understanding and Taking Care of our Mental Health Through the Caregiving Journey by Dr Wei-Ker Chiah from the Institute of Mental Health
4. Empowering Caregivers: Strategies for a Successful Return to Work by Mrs Sher-li Torrey from Mums@Work
5. Sharing of Entrepreneurship Journey in Setting up a Social Enterprise by Mrs Phoebe Lim from Jojomama
6. Tips to Business Start-ups by Ms Gloria Soo from Royal Consulting International- Participants also heard inspiring speeches by our Guest-of-Honour Mdm Rahayu Mahzam (Board Advisor) and CaringSG leaders Dr David Ang (Board Chair), Dr Lim Hong Huay (Honorary CEO) and Mr Edwin Tan (Deputy CEO).
- Therapeutic Caregiver Workshops: Caregivers could unwind and explore their creativity in workshops like Pastel Nagomi Art and Crochet, led by experienced instructors who are themselves, caregivers.
- Crochet for Beginners by Trainers Lavinia and Ling, and Assistant Trainer Peggy
- Pastel Nagomi Art by Trainer Lim Lay Kee
- Enabling Village Tours: Caregivers and families could explore Singapore’s first inclusive community space and experience its community amenities while learning about the resources and services available for persons with disabilities.
- Financial Literacy Workshops for Persons with Disabilities: Teenage or adult persons with disabilities aged 16 years and above could learn the concept of money and its daily usage at financial literacy workshops conducted/curated by Enabling Academy, SG Enable’s disability learning hub.
- Eye Care Services: Caregivers and families could attend an eyecare talk, receive a complimentary visual acuity test, consult with an optometrist, and enjoy exclusive discounts on comprehensive eye exams.
- Goodie Bag: Ticket holders received an exclusive goodie bag packed with items from inclusive businesses, such as Professor Brawn and CAREcottage businesses. They could also design their own bag at our booth!
Free for the Public:
- CAREcottage Bazaar: Caregivers and the public met and supported local caregiver artisans at the bazaar, which showcased products and services created by caregivers and their family/loved ones with disabilities.
- Resource Booths: Caregivers accessed a wide range of caregiver resources, including mental wellness support, career coaching, and more. These booths are open to everyone, providing essential information and services to support caregivers.
- Career Coaching: Caregivers received personalised advice from professional career coaches at Mums@Work, designed to help caregivers navigate their career paths and explore new opportunities.
Other Updates
Celebrating Caregivers: Highlights from the CAREforward Event and the Launch of The Healing Journal
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.
CAREforward: Speech by Mr Edwin Tan, 1 Dec 2024
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.
CAREforward: Speech by Ms Denise Phua, 1 Dec 2024
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 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.”
