The People’s Action Party (PAP)’s new Mental Health Group will push for greater mental health support for Singaporeans. The Group underscores the PAP’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for persons with mental health conditions (PMHCs) and reflects the Party’s efforts to align with the evolving aspirations of Singaporeans.
As part of the Party’s #refreshPAP efforts, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had emphasised the Party’s focus on building common cause with all Singaporeans and to address emerging challenges that cut across traditional demographic lines such as mental health concerns. The Group builds upon a 2022 mental health survey by the Young PAP and the Party’s #BetterTogether movement, which revealed a strong public call for increased mental health support.
Speaking at the launch, Guest-of-Honour PAP Assistant Secretary-General and Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing said, “Mental health is a cause that is very close to the heart of our Party. Over the years, we have actively championed this cause, working closely with like-minded partners to drive meaningful change and advance mental health in Singapore…The reality is that mental health affects us all more than we often realise. Yet, despite its importance, it remains a topic many shy away from…The PAP is here to change that with the launch of the Mental Health Group…We invite Singaporeans to actively engage in our discussions and programs on mental health. Your involvement will help shape and enhance the PAP government’s policies and plans, ensuring they align with the Singapore you envision.”
Assistant Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing officially launches the PAP Mental Health Group
The PAP Mental Health Group is supported by a Steering Committee comprising 10 Members-of-Parliament (MPs) led by Chairpersons Dr Janil Puthucheary, Dr Wan Rizal, and Rachel Ong. They have all advocated for greater mental health support in Parliament and through activities in their constituencies. Notably, this includes MPs who mooted the Parliamentary Motion to enhance mental health and well-being in Singapore in February this year.
Assistant Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing with the PAP Mental Health Group Steering Committee and PAP Branch Chairs in attendance at the event
The launch also unveiled a Panel of Professional Advisors, consisting of 8 esteemed members and practitioners in this domain who will support and guide the efforts of the Group. These veteran experts hail from hospitals, social service organisations, or provide psychological services.
Assistant Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, Mental Health Grooup Chairpersons Dr Janil Puthucheary, Dr Wan Rizal and Rachel Ong, alongside the Group’s Panel of Professional Advisors
PAP Mental Health Group Chairperson Dr Janil Puthucheary said, “Mental health struggles can affect us all, but no one should have to face them alone. The Committee and Panel comprise of individuals who have long advocated for the cause and engaged closely with PMHCs. They standing with us on this important cause will guide our work and ensure we can deliver and propose effective changes to help those who need it the most.”
Co-Chairperson Rachel Ong added, “We want 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. Today’s event is a precursor to the closer engagements we will have with sector professionals over the course of our advocacy.”
PAP Mental Health Group Steering Committee:
- Dr Janil Puthucheary – Chairperson
- Rachel Ong – Chairperson
- Dr Wan Rizal – Chairperson
- Edward Chia
- Mariam Jaafar
- Melvin Yong
- Dr Tan Wu Meng
- Tin Pei Ling
- Xie Yao Quan
- Yip Hon Weng
PAP Mental Health Group Panel of Professional Advisors:
- Dr Chua Hong Choon, Chief Executive Officer, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital & Yishun Health, Singapore
- Dr Daniel Fung, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Mental Health
- Mr James Tan, Chief Executive Officer, TOUCH Community Services
- Dr Jerome Goh Hern Yee, President, Singapore Psychiatric Association
- Dr Lee Cheng, President, Singapore Association for Mental Health
- Dr Pearlene Ng, Clinical Psychologist and Education Director (Psychology), National University of Singapore
- Ms Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director, Rainbow Centre
- Dr Timothy Singham, Clinical Psychologist, Viriya Community Services
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