Empowering with Presence: Special Needs Volunteer Training with Mendaki

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On Thursday, 19 June 2025, CaringSG had the privilege of conducting our signature “How to Just Be There” training for 37 dedicated staff members from Mendaki. This impactful session aimed to deepen understanding and confidence in supporting individuals with special needs — not just through knowledge, but through authentic human presence.

Led by our passionate in-house trainer Jansen Sng, the session introduced participants to our P.A.U.S.E.™ framework:

Prepare, Acknowledge, Understand, Sit with, Empathize

This simple yet powerful approach encourages volunteers to connect meaningfully — by being calm, respectful, and present, rather than trying to “fix” or say the perfect thing.

💬 What Participants Learned:

✔️ What are special needs?

✔️ Letting go of the pressure to say or do the “right” thing

✔️ Engaging with compassion and calm

✔️ Building trust through respectful presence

The training was filled with interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and safe space for reflection. Participants walked away not only with practical tools, but also a renewed sense of clarity and purpose in their caregiving or support roles.

🗣️ What Participants Said:

“The session was informative and the trainers were able to share the information in a relatable manner. Kudos!”


“One of the best trainings I’ve attended — practical, engaging, and full of heart.”


“The session really made me reflect. It reminded me of my role as a parent and caregiver.”

“Jansen shared valuable experience in difficult situations. It was helpful for facing clients with special needs children.”

Many appreciated the PAUSE method, the bookmarks they received, and the warmth and energy of the session — calling it not only useful but memorable.

🙌 Partnership for Inclusion

We are proud to support Mendaki in their journey toward greater inclusion, especially as they gear up for the upcoming Rakan Ilmu event. This session is just one step in our shared mission to build a society where caregivers and individuals with special needs are seen, supported, and respected.

📣 Join the Movement!

Whether you’re a volunteer, educator, or organisation — you too can make a difference by learning how to just be there. Let’s grow a community rooted in empathy, not expectations.

Contact us at contact@caring.sg to get in touch.

💛 Because presence is the greatest gift we can offer.

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