Together with community groups and advocates, the People’s Action Party (PAP) Mental Health Group commemorated World Mental Health Day today by bringing the important discussion on advancing mental health right to the heart of the city.
PAP Mental Health Group Co-Chairpersons Dr Janil Puthucheary and Dr Wan Rizal giving out stress balls to community workgroups on World Mental Health Day
The PAP Mental Health Group aims to drive collective action to advance mental health in Singapore and make it a national priority through a two-pronged approach – connecting with community advocates and PMHCs, and leveraging the expertise of sector professionals, to drive action for a more supportive society. It underscores the PAP’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for PMHCs and reflects the Party’s efforts to align with the evolving aspirations of Singaporeans.
Held at NTUC Centre, close to 100 community groups, advocates, and individuals, along with PAP Mental Health Group Co-Chairpersons Dr Janil Puthucheary, Dr Wan Rizal, and Rachel Ong, exchanged perspectives and discussed challenges in driving community action for mental health. They explored ways to strengthen existing initiatives to foster a more comprehensive and supportive mental health eco-system. The discussion also brought together persons with mental health conditions (PMHCs) to share their lived experiences.
PAP Mental Health Group Steering Committee and PAP Branch Chairs at the event
Sharing by MHG Steering Committee Member Edward Chia at the Group’s first community outreach event
Dr Janil Puthucheary said, “Addressing mental health concerns is challenging and complex – everyone has different lived experiences and varied needs. But the party will not shy away – we will do what needs to be done, we will speak up for every Singaporean. We are working closely with the community and listening to lived experiences. It is crucial that persons with mental health conditions have a voice in policymaking and initiatives, especially those aimed at helping them reintegrate and find a place in the community. By empowering these individuals and the community to act, we can achieve more support, and more types of support, for a more inclusive society.”
13 key community partners who had been working with the PAP over the years on mental health initiatives were also present to share their experiences. Collectively, they form the foundation of the Group’s slate of Community Workgroups. These include partners who had supported the PAP’s 2022 #BetterTogether movement – an initiative to raise awareness and drive collective action for mental health in Singapore. Together with the Steering Committee, these Community Workgroups will spearhead the Group’s regular engagements and events to invite more to join the Group and to refine and roll-out more mental health initiatives in each neighbourhood.
Dr Wan Rizal said, “From the response to the #BetterTogether movement, we know that many people want more mental health support and are ready to contribute. We want to take our partnerships with the community a step further to maximise our collective impact. Today’s session is just the first of many – we aim to connect our partners, advocates, persons with mental health conditions, and Members-of-Parliament. The goal is for everyone to hear from each other, share what they can bring to the table, identify gaps that need to be filled, then come up with tailored initiatives to be implemented in every neighbourhood. Ultimately, we want everyone to know that there is a supportive community and the PAP, whom they can turn to during challenging times.”
Opening remarks by PAP Mental Health Group Co-Chairperson Dr Wan Rizal
Annex
PAP Mental Health Group Community Workgroups:
- Annabelle Psychology
- Calm Collective Asia
- Campus PSY (Singapore)
- How Are You LLP
- It All Starts Hear (IASH.sg)
- Limitless (Ltd.)
- Mental ACT
- Mental Health Film Festival Singapore
- O’Joy Limited
- Samaritans of Singapore
- Silver Ribbon Singapore
- Singapore Association for Mental Health
- Total Wellness Initiative Singapore
