A New Dawn for CaringSG: Reflections and Hopes for 2025
Today, the new dawn of 2025 brings new joy and hope for CaringSG.
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. This vibrant gathering wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of the strength and resilience of caregivers, packed with meaningful activities, insightful talks, and the much-anticipated launch of The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care.
Here’s a look at the day’s highlights and how you can be part of this incredible journey.
The Morning Buzz: Connecting Caregivers and Resources
The day kicked off with a warm and welcoming atmosphere as caregivers and supporters arrived to explore the thoughtfully curated activities:
- CaringSG Booth: Visitors discovered The Healing Journal, an empowering guide created by caregivers for caregivers, and learned more about caregiver programmes.
- Encouragement Wall: Messages of hope and inspiration filled the wall as participants wrote notes to encourage and uplift each other.
- Awareness Zone: This space offered valuable resources and insights for caregivers seeking support and guidance.
- CAREcottage Bazaar: A lively showcase of handmade products by caregiver artisans allowed attendees to shop while supporting caregivers’ creative endeavors.
- Childminding Activities: Dependants of talk participants enjoyed engaging activities, giving caregivers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the event.
Empowering Talks and Workshops
The event featured a range of talks and workshops tailored to equip caregivers with knowledge and practical tools:
- Empowering Confidence through Your Personal Image by Image Mission.
- Healing Journal Workshop: Therapeutic Journaling for Caregivers’ Well-Being by StephT, which demonstrated how reflective journaling could foster emotional healing.
- Mental Wellness with TCM by Ouch Pte Ltd, exploring traditional Chinese medicine approaches for caregivers’ well-being.
- Securing Futures: The Importance of Protection Coverage in Financial Planning by Income Insurance, highlighting financial security strategies for families.
- Legal Advice by Peggy Yee, offering guidance on navigating legal complexities in caregiving.
These sessions not only provided practical takeaways but also created a space for caregivers to connect and share experiences.
Moments of Joy: Performances and Creative Expression
Adding an element of creativity and reflection, the event featured captivating performances:
- Storytelling by Seow: A heartfelt narrative that resonated with special needs children.
- Dance Performances by Raw Moves: A powerful expression of resilience and hope through contemporary dance.
These artistic moments brought the caregiving experience to life, inspiring attendees to see their own journeys in a new light.
The Highlight: Launch of The Healing Journal
The centerpiece of the event was the launch of The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care. This 200-page guide, crafted by caregivers for caregivers, provides practical tools and reflective exercises to help caregivers navigate their challenges, embrace their feelings, and dream beyond their daily struggles.
Ms. Denise Phua, CaringSG Board Advisor, led the launch with an inspiring speech. She emphasized the importance of creating a support network for caregivers and highlighted The Healing Journal as a vital resource for their well-being. VIP guest Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Adviser to Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, joined Ms. Phua in writing notes of encouragement on the CaringSG Encouragement Wall, a symbolic gesture of their commitment to uplifting the caregiving community.
How to Get Your Copy of The Healing Journal
The Healing Journal is more than just a book—it’s a lifeline for caregivers seeking guidance and support. By contributing to CaringSG’s initiatives, you can receive a copy of this empowering resource while supporting programmes that uplift caregivers in the community.
Here’s how you can get your copy:
- Visit caring.sg/giveasia.
- Click on “Donate to event” in the right-hand side option bar.
- Choose the amount you’d like to donate. Every $50 donation will entitle you to one copy of The Healing Journal.
- You will be presented with additional options to make a monthly contribution or give a one-time tip to Give.asia. Please note these options are not from CaringSG—select “No thanks” and enter 0 in these fields if you do not wish to contribute further.
- Fill in your details, including your full mailing address, to ensure we can send the book to you.
Your donation will directly support CaringSG’s caregiver programmes and help build a stronger, more connected caregiving community.
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting caregivers through your contribution.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Caregiver Community
Ms. Phua also announced CaringSG’s plans to expand its Caregiver Volunteer Training (CVT) programme. By partnering with social service agencies, EIPIC centres, and special education schools, CaringSG aims to train 160 caregiver volunteers by March 2026. This initiative will strengthen peer support networks and ensure that no caregiver feels alone on their journey.
A Community of Support
The CAREforward event was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the power of community, resilience, and hope. From practical workshops to heartfelt performances, every moment of the event was designed to inspire and empower caregivers.
As the day came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they were part of a community dedicated to their well-being.
Whether you’re a caregiver or a supporter, there are many ways to get involved with CaringSG. Explore The Healing Journal, join a programme, or volunteer your time to make a difference. Together, we can uplift caregivers and ensure that their journeys are supported every step of the way.
Visit www.caring.sg to learn more about CaringSG’s initiatives and upcoming events.
Let’s continue to care-it-forward.
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.”
