On Sunday, 13 April 2025, CaringSG was proud to be part of the Communities Day Out @ Istana Open House, a vibrant celebration that brought communities together in the heart of Singapore. Organised by NTUC Club and UPlay, the event was held in conjunction with Hari Raya and Labour Day, transforming the Istana grounds into a hub of inclusive activities, cultural showcases, and family-friendly fun.
This annual event is designed to foster camaraderie across communities, featuring interactive booths, hands-on workshops, and performances that reflect the diversity and resilience of our people. It was a beautiful, festive day — and CaringSG was right there in the heart of it.
Our booth was located at Play Zone Booth #4, themed around self-care and community encouragement — a gentle yet powerful reminder that taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a necessity. Visitors were invited to:
1. ✍️ Write notes of self care. Visitors were invited to pen down their reflections and add to our Self-Care Sharing Board—a collective space where people shared how they practise self-care in their daily lives. These heartfelt notes served as gentle reminders that caring for oneself is just as important as caring for others. Through this board, we encouraged everyone to pause, reflect, and prioritise their well-being—because self-care is not selfish, it’s essential.
2. 🧶 Shop handmade crochet items crafted by caregivers from the Crochet With Love initiative — beautiful, meaningful keepsakes that turned creativity into connection.
3. 📖 Discover the Healing Journal, a self-care toolkit thoughtfully created by Julia and Amanda from CaringSG, which resonated deeply with many visitors. Designed to guide caregivers toward small but impactful steps in emotional wellness, it was described by one visitor as “a comforting companion on the journey of caregiving.”
More than just a booth, this was a space where care met creativity, and compassion met community. The stories shared, the quiet moments of reflection, and the smiles exchanged reminded us that we are never truly alone when we choose to show up for one another.
The success of our presence was made possible by 10 dedicated CaringSG staff, 1 caregiver volunteer, and 3 CAREcottage volunteers—each playing an important role in connecting with the public and representing the caregiver voice.
As Jasmine, one of our volunteer caregivers, shared:
“It was nice being able to catch up yesterday… and be out there sharing with more caregivers who may not have known Caring SG. It reminded me how powerful connection can be—just knowing you’re not alone on this journey.”
These words captured the spirit of the day: being seen, being heard, and belonging.
As the afternoon faded, dark clouds rolled in and the skies opened with sudden thundery showers and minor flooding — but even the downpour couldn’t dampen the spirit of our team. With umbrellas raised and laughter intact, our volunteers stood strong, shielding our materials and one another with grace. In many ways, it was a poetic reminder of the everyday resilience of caregivers—weathering life’s storms while continuing to uplift others.
Beyond our booth, we had the joy of experiencing the broader festival highlights:
– Hari Raya performances by nEbO & U Live
– Storytelling and workshops by My Family Kaki, NAFA, and WWF
– Tasty treats by MINDS
– Nature-based activities, arts and wellness booths, and more
We also connected with fellow community partners working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and compassionate Singapore.
To everyone who stopped by to write a note, purchase a handmade item, or simply share a kind word—thank you. Your presence mattered. You reminded us that when we come together with empathy and intention, we can make caregiving visible, valued, and supported.
Together, we care. And together, we build a community where no caregiver walks alone.
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.
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.
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.
I am sitting down to write this six days after I met Wendy, Mummy to an autistic daughter, over lunch. Looking at the notes I scribbled from our chat, the few words that popped up in my mind? ‘My learning journey’. This is Wendy’s learning journey as a caregiver.
When Carrie first heard her son’s autism diagnosis at age three, she was overwhelmed with questions and uncertainty. But through determination, early intervention, and unwavering support from her husband, she found a path forward—guided, unexpectedly, by her son Ethan’s deep love for trains. From Thomas & Friends to trainspotting in Switzerland, this is a heartfelt story of a family’s journey, resilience, and the power of embracing a child’s special interests.
If you are a community volunter passionate about making a difference in the lives of caregivers and their families, join CaringSG as a trained volunteer to support, empower, and uplift caregivers while fostering a more inclusive and connected community.
