Photo courtesy of Silver Ribbon Singapore’s Facebook page
In conjunction with Valentine’s Day this year, the Silver Ribbon Singapore (SRS) is proud to present – Keep Calm Spread Love, a Silver Ribbon Mental Wellness Event on February 13 2017.
The Guest of Honour, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, graced the event and participated in the official launch of the Silver Ribbon Singapore Youth Chapter (SRSYC) and Hana’s Limited Edition Bookmarks. Coming in seven different designs, the bookmarks can be collected free from 27 public libraries around Singapore.
Guest of Honour Professor Fatimah Lateef giving the opening address at the event
Professor Fatimah Lateef shared candidly about the issues faced on combating mental health stigma in Singapore. She notes that the public should be more educated about mental illness, so as to promote a more inclusive Singapore.
Ellen Lee Geck Hoon on sharing about the mental health scene in Singapore to the audience
A surprise visit from former member of parliament Ellen Lee Geck Hoon, from Sembawang Group Representative Constituency, spoke to the audience about what has been done in the last few decades to combat stigma and discrimination of the mentally ill. As a board member of SRS, she acknowledges that more can and should be done to further spread mindfulness, awareness, and acceptance to the public with regards to mental health.
She notes that we should be more aware of our peers, and take care to notice friends who are feeling negative. Treatment and assistance should be sought early on to improve their mental wellbeing.
Porsche Poh hosting the night’s event.
Hosting the night’s event was Porsche Poh, Executive Director of SRS, who generously called for greater continuity of support to SRS’s efforts and services. She introduced the works of SRS and the newly minted SRSYC which comprises of five passionate youth volunteers, who serve the community through three main services – befriending, outreach and decluttering.
Photo of the first batch of SRSYC together with Porsche Poh, Professor Fatimah Lateef and Ellen Lee Geck Hoon
SRSYC seeks to empower their youth volunteers to reach out to engage their communities and combat mental illness stigma. The youth volunteers are all required to undergo an orientation and follow strict guidelines. In addition, they are invited to attend a list of workshops to enhance their knowledge on mental health. Furthermore, SRSYC has already embarked on their first mission trip in December 2016 to declutter a home of an elderly woman.
Porsche was heartened to know that there are youths concerned about social issues, and playing a role in bettering their immediate community. She hopes to see more youths step forward to contribute to their environment to advocate mental wellness through innovative means.
Photo of Professor Fatimah Lateef and Hana’s family members launching the SRSYC and Hana’s bookmarks
Photo of Hana and Professor Fatimah Lateef celebrating the launch of her bookmarks
Miss Olivia K Loy, daughter of the late Dr Rita Goh who was diagnosed with schizophrenia
NUS undergraduate sharing her experience with mental illness and on promoting mental wellness in Singapore
The lovely night ended on a high note that saw everyone in the room taking turns to profess their love to their family members and loved ones. A huge thank you was given to all who turned up to show their support for SRS.
Keep Calm, Spread Love!
Find out more about Silver Ribbon Singapore, and leave a like on their Facebook page .
