According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, immediate application of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase a victim’s survival rates by as high as 50%. In fact, taking a course will enable one with the confidence to spring into action to perform CPR or use an AED during an emergency.
To equip caregivers the skills and knowledge to perform CPR and use an AED, CAREkakis (who are trained grassroot volunteers by CaringSG), organised a CPR + AED training session for Boon Lay caregivers on 4 March 2023. The training session was conducted at Boon Lay Community Centre from 2pm to 6pm with a total of 8 caregivers and 1 special needs dependent participating.
During the 4-hour training session, participants were taught the correct techniques of performing CPR safely as well as the steps on how to use an AED properly in conjunction with CPR. Participants were also certified once they had successfully fulfilled the passing criteria.
This course was supported by 2 CaringSG staff and volunteers and 1 CAREkaki and also by the Enabling Lives Grant Initiative funded by Tote Board and managed by SG Enable, Temasek Foundation and Boon Lay CCC.
⛳ 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.
