national council of service | What Are You Doing SG?

(L-R) Mr Cho Ming Xiu and Ms Anita Low-Lim, co-chairs of the NCSS-supported Youth Alliance, and Mr Van Teo, a manager within NCSS’ social inclusion team, created a ground-up interagency committee for youth mental wellness that was officially launched in 2019.

Doers

Championing Mental Wellness Among Youth in Singapore

Caroline Chia

Sr Bernadette Yap, a Franciscan Missionaries of Mary nun, sits on a bench in a garden.

Doers

Caring for the Volunteers Who Care for Others

Caroline Chia

ABLE Cheat Sheet

Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE) is a social service agency that aims to enable the physically challenged to live with dignity and to have productive, meaningful and independent lives. ABLE provides a suite of centralised services that include case management, caregiver support, rehabilitation, employment, and programmes and training. ABLE specialises in neuro-rehabilitation and their clients consist of stroke survivors, individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other acquired brain injuries (ABI).
Its signature Return-To-Work Programme enables those with acquired physical challenges to be independent through gainful employment and community reintegration. ABLE’s Respite Centre supports family caregivers through self-enrichment workshops, interest groups and information talks.

AWWA Cheat Sheet

AWWA is a Singapore-based registered charity delivering a wide range of programmes and services. These include early intervention for preschoolers, education and integration support for children and adults with additional needs, social assistance for vulnerable families, and care services for seniors.
AWWA Health and Senior Care currently operates a range of services and programmes as part of the continuum of care for seniors, to support them in the community as they age gracefully in place. These include the Active Ageing Centre, Dementia Day Care Centre, and Rehab and Day Care Centre.
AWWA CREST is a community-based programme that aims to serve as a community safety network for adults and seniors diagnosed/suspected of having dementia, depression and/or other mental health conditions. CREST predominantly serves residents, including caregivers, in Sembawang, Woodlands, and Yio Chu Kang.

VINTAGE RADIO SG CHEAT SHEET

VintageRadio.SG, provides a digital service for seniors, offering them a secure environment for information and entertainment. It is a not-for-profit social enterprise, which channels profits from the business into its further development of the channel to maximise its potential.
It streams popular multi-lingual, nostalgic music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Veteran presenters Brian Richmond, Rahimah Rahim, PN Bala and Guo Xianhua lead the way, influencing their peers to navigate digital trends.
The app serves curated content in a secure environment, so that seniors can explore digital tools while being entertained by their favourite tunes. Its objective is to encourage digitally disconnected seniors to embark on their digital journey. The channel aims to deliver important and useful information to them and their caregivers, especially about safety measures related to Covid-19.
VintageRadioSG is available on the App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery. It is supported by the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, the Tsao Foundation, the Majurity Trust, Octava Foundation, Temasek Trust’s oscar@sg fund and arts supporter Anthonia Hui.

MINDS x DBS CHEAT SHEET

MINDS or the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore is a voluntary welfare organisation based in Singapore. It provides services for the intellectually disabled and runs four special schools and a centre called MINDSville@Napiri which offers therapy and residential care.
During Giving Week and beyond, DBS employees will be volunteering their time and skills through a myriad of programmes. Some of these include organising virtual tours for the elderly and “Grant-A-Wish” initiatives for less privileged children and youth, distributing care packs and food rations to low-income families, as well as participating in skills-based volunteering programmes on cybersecurity and digitalisation for NPOs.
Themed “The Best Week Ever” this year, SG Cares Giving Week rallies people, organisations and leaders in Singapore to come together and give their Time, Talent, Treasure and Voice to uplift those in need. With an array of activities like Everyday Giving and an exciting line-up of events at The Giving Hub, join SG Cares Giving Week, December 1 to 7, 2020.

PROJECT COCONUT CHEAT SHEET

Project Coconut is a group of students who aimed to raise $30,000 to buy simple phones for up to 500 uncontactable seniors on behalf of Lions Befrienders. The group of beneficiaries have an average age of 76, and all struggle financially. They also suffer chronic illnesses, and are a vulnerable group. Up to 72 percent of them are single and socially isolated, with the majority living in rental flats.
Project Coconut’s donation eventually supported about 300 of them, with another 200 receiving funds from other sources. The phones are intended to prevent them from being uncontactable and disconnected. Today, it is the Singapore chapter of 11 cities in China and the United States, where youths aim to reach vulnerable seniors through relevant projects.
Co-connect with the group via silverconnectinitiative.com or on Instagram at @silver.connect.initiative or @project_coconut_ if you are based in Singapore, and are keen to join the initiative and help combat the senior loneliness epidemic. The group aims to virtually befriend seniors, teach them how to use their digital devices, even devise curriculum for telemedicine.

ESPLANADE ON THE GO CHEAT SHEET

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a not-for-profit, charity arts centre that aims to make the arts accessible to everyone. Part of its paid performances goes towards providing performances free to those who cannot afford tickets, or vulnerable groups.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay started 16 years ago, and has staged 41,000 shows to more than 28 million people.
Two Of Us is the husband-wife duo of Ms Pang Choy Ting and Mr Earnest Chua, who have performed together for four years. They perform at corporate events, weddings and popular venues.
Themed “The Best Week Ever” this year, SG Cares Giving Week rallies people, organisations and leaders in Singapore to come together and give their Time, Talent, Treasure and Voice to uplift those in need. With an array of activities like Everyday Giving and an exciting line-up of events at The Giving Hub, join SG Cares Giving Week, December 1 to 7, 2020, www.givingweek.sg

PVPA 2020 CHEAT SHEET

President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good seeks to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers amid Covid-19, and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community in the first half of 2020
“Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore” Facebook page was set up by migrant worker Mr Omar Faruque Shipon to provide accurate Covid-19-related news and updates for the Bangladeshi migrant worker community.
The Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO) is an initiative of the Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA), in partnership with various Voluntary Welfare Organisations, civil organisations, corporations, professional bodies, guest worker dormitories, and government agencies. It is the aim of the AGWO to provide guest workers in Singapore with holistic care in a sustainable manner.
Beng Who Cooks launched in 2018 as a hawker stall specialising in poke bowls at Hong Lim Market And Food Centre. During the Circuit Breaker, it started @BengWhoCaresFoundation to cook and deliver food to breadwinners who were suffering income loss and couldn’t afford meals.
The Food Bank Singapore was founded in January 2012 by Nichol and Nicholas Ng, a pair of siblings with experience in food distribution. Their mission: to end food insecurity in all forms in Singapore, with the vision to be the prevailing centralised coordinating organisation for all food donations and to play a key role in the reduction of food wastage and food insecurity.
Crisis Relief Alliance (CRA) is a not-for-profit organisation that serves communities in crisis in Singapore and beyond. Established in 2016, CRA is strongly aligned with the Healthcare, Humanitarian and Essential Services in Singapore.

CRISIS RELIEF ALLIANCE CHEAT SHEET

Crisis Relief Alliance (CRA) is a not-for-profit organisation that serves communities in crisis in Singapore and beyond. Established in 2016, CRA is strongly aligned with the Healthcare, Humanitarian and Essential Services in Singapore.
Following their work at the migrant worker dormitories during the Covid-19 pandemic, CRA intends to continue serving the physical and psycho-social needs of the migrant worker community, with new projects in the pipeline. For more information, visit the CRA Facebook page.
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good seeks to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers amid Covid-19, and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community in the first half of 2020. The special edition is intended to honour the efforts of individuals, organisations and leaders for their contribution during unprecedented times, and to inspire the wider public to be more other-centred in giving.
TEDxSingapore Salon is presenting “Our finest hour in the City of Good”, a three-part series of virtual salons featuring people, leaders, organisations leading and building a City of Good. Register for complimentary access to sessions.

HOPE INITIATIVE ALLIANCE CHEAT SHEET

Hope Initiative Alliance is an inter-racial and inter-religious alliance of social service organisations, civil groups and corporations that provides holistic care for the vulnerable and marginalised communities. Last year, HIA established the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO).
During the recent President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good, HIA was awarded in the “Organisation of Good” category.
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good seeks to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers amid Covid-19, and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community in the first half of 2020. The special edition is intended to honour the efforts of individuals, organisations and leaders for their contribution during unprecedented times, and to inspire the wider public to be more other-centred in giving.
TEDxSingapore Salon is presenting “Our finest hour in the City of Good”, a three-part series of virtual salons featuring people, leaders, organisations leading and building a City of Good. Register for complimentary access to sessions.

THE FOOD BANK CHEAT SHEET

The Food Bank Singapore was founded in January 2012 by Nichol and Nicholas Ng, a pair of siblings with experience in food distribution. Their mission: to end food insecurity in all forms in Singapore, with the vision to be the prevailing centralised coordinating organisation for all food donations and to play a key role in the reduction of food wastage and food insecurity.
Food Pantry 2.0 is an automated platform by The Food Bank Singapore that dispenses emergency food aid 24/7 to those in need. Beneficiaries identified by family service centres (FSCs) and social service agencies receive a Food Bank card loaded with free credits to receive food from their vending machines.
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good seeks to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers amid Covid-19, and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community in the first half of 2020. The special edition is intended to honour the efforts of individuals, organisations and leaders for their contribution during unprecedented times, and to inspire the wider public to be more other-centred in giving.
TEDxSingapore Salon is presenting “Our finest hour in the City of Good”, a three-part series of virtual salons featuring people, leaders, organisations leading and building a City of Good. Register for complimentary access to sessions.

BENG WHO COOKS CHEAT SHEET

Beng Who Cooks launched in 2018 as a hawker stall specialising in poke bowls at Hong Lim Market And Food Centre. During the Circuit Breaker, it started @BengWhoCaresFoundation to cook and deliver food to breadwinners who were suffering income loss and couldn’t afford meals. On October 16, they received a President’s Volunteerism And Philanthropy Award in the “People of Good” category, for their innovative generosity to the community.
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2020 Special Edition – Our Finest Hour in the City of Good seeks to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers amid Covid-19, and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community in the first half of 2020. The special edition is intended to honour the efforts of individuals, organisations and leaders for their contribution during unprecedented times, and to inspire the wider public to be more other-centred in giving.
TEDxSingapore Salon is presenting “Our finest hour in the City of Good”, a three-part series of virtual salons featuring people, leaders, organisations leading and building a City of Good, starting October 24. Register for complimentary access to all three sessions.

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE CHEAT SHEET

Keeping Hope Alive is a private initiative set up by Fion Phua to work with the less privileged Singaporeans, focusing on providing a better quality of life and to keep hope alive for beneficiaries.
The voluntary group conducts frequent door-to-door knocks on one- and two-room HDB flats to look out, listen and take action for people who are in need and in dire straits.
The President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards is an annual event that celebrates individuals, organisations and leaders for innovative and inspirational volunteerism and philanthropy efforts.
This year’s awards seek to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who are exceptional relational and multiplier givers during the COVID-19 pandemic and have voluntarily devoted their time, talent, treasure and/or voice to create a positive impact in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic period in the first half of 2020.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHEAT SHEET

CARE Singapore (Children-at-risk Empowerment Association) targets at-risk and vulnerable youth to find direction, hope, and success through life skills programmes, mentoring, and counselling centred around youth issues. They have recently set up Hear4U, a series of hotlines for Singaporeans and migrant workers to seek advice and express their concerns on emotional and mental issues. Donate to CARE Singapore
iC2 PrepHouse targets children with visual impairments to support their personal development and acquire compensatory skills (such as more efficient ways of using their vision, hearing, and touch; reading Braille; learning to use assistive technology and computers). Donations of masks, sanitiser, and thermometers are especially needed. Donate to iC2 PrepHouse
REACH targets low-income families, seniors, underprivileged youths and those struggling mentally and emotionally. They aim to strengthen vulnerable families and individuals, empower youths to reach their potential, and promote active aging for seniors. They are in need of laptops for children to do home-based learning, and volunteers to befriend vulnerable seniors. Donate to REACH
SACA (Singapore After-Care Association) provides welfare and rehabilitation services for discharged offenders and their families, helping them reintegrate into society, contribute, and achieve their life goals and needs. They are on the lookout for web designers to rebuild their website, and companies who can offer a CMS and/or CRM system to improve their workflow. Donate to SACA

COMMUNITY SERVICE CHEAT SHEET

Daughters Of Tomorrow complements and supports existing training and workforce-related agencies by connecting volunteers and community resources to enable each woman on an individual level. By deep-diving into practical day-to-day constraints of these women, the charity offers hand-holding and individual coaching to help each woman reach regular and sustained employment. Donate to Daughters of Tomorrow
Habitat for Humanity Singapore is part of the international Habitat non-profit organisation that seeks to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. Convicted that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, Habitat works alongside low-income communities to increase their access to improved living conditions.
Project HomeWorks is Habitat Singapore’s local volunteer programme, working with vulnerable persons and families who need help to rehabilitate their homes into a safe and sanitary state. Donate to Habitat Singapore
RDA Singapore (Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore) provides equine-assisted therapy (also known as hippotherapy) to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities for free through the help of donations and volunteers. Donate to RDA Singapore
RSVP Singapore actively engages seniors in purpose-driven volunteerism. With over 1,000 members and 1,500 ad-hoc volunteers, RSVP Singapore serves more than 200,000 beneficiaries each year including the mentally disadvantaged, at-risk children from low income families, and socially isolated seniors through its community service programmes. Donate to RSVP Singapore
Singapore Red Cross is dedicated to relieving human suffering, protecting human lives and dignity and responding to emergencies, including running blood donation drives. Donate to Singapore Red Cross

THE DISABILITY EQUATION CHEAT SHEET

Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE)
To enable the physically challenged to live with dignity and to have a productive, meaningful and independent life.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS)
Dedicated to delivering fully integrated programmes and services at the highest standards with passion, integrity, care, and excellence Creating awareness of cerebral palsy, and advocating equal opportunities for all persons with the condition.
Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)
DSA(S) endeavours to develop individuals with Down syndrome through lifelong learning and social integration; support families through specialist services, information and education; and advocate for equal opportunities, quality of life and their contribution to society.
Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS)
Helping Dyslexic People Achieve. DAS aims to build a world class organisation dedicated to helping dyslexic people and those with specific learning differences in Singapore. DAS views itself as a social enterprise. It strives to be a sustainable business with a social mission. Its business is used as a means to help dyslexic people achieve. It reinvests its surpluses to fulfil our social objectives and in doing so, combines the entrepreneurial and business skills with its philanthropic mission characteristics as a not-for-profit organisation.
Extraordinary People Ltd
The three-year-old charity aims to support every person with special needs in Singapore through community-supported initiatives. It is focused on enabling and supporting children and youth with special needs, striving for an inclusive society. It stopped face-to-face therapy sessions and its regular performing arts classes, which resulted in a loss of income, and resources and time channeled towards shifting all operations online to support families. In addition to donations, it needs expertise in digital solutions.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore)
The 20-year-old organisation seeks to maximise the quality of life of people with Muscular Dystrophy and their families, in order to integrate them into society and support research towards a cure. Donations are needed to support staff who continue conducting and administering sustained activities for beneficiaries. Since the Circuit Breaker, programmes have been converted to Zoom, including its graphic design classes, confidence-building workshops to even therapy.
SADeaf
To assist the Deaf to achieve a better quality of life and to enable them to integrate and contribute to society.
Singapore Disability Sports Council
With a mission to build a vibrant and inclusive community where persons with disabilities can pursue their sporting aspirations, SDSC aspires to transform the lives of Persons with Disabilities through sport. Besides providing platforms for the learning of sports, SDSC trains talents to represent Singapore at regional and international competitions.
Stroke Support Station (S3)
Stroke Support Station (S3) helps stroke survivors to Re-learn and Enjoy Active Living (R.E.A.L.) for a better quality of life through wellness programmes with social-emotional support that rebuilds confidence and independence. S3 fosters mental resilience in stroke survivors and their caregivers, resulting in social connectedness among stroke survivors, caregivers, family members and volunteers.

ARTS & HERITAGE CHEAT SHEET

The City of Good Show, premiering 24 June, is a collaboration between The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Dream Academy, supporting charities from various sectors including arts and heritage, children and youth, disability, and social service.
City of Good: The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward for the City of Good – a vision of a Singapore where individuals, organisations and leaders come together to give their best for others. Arts and Heritage is one sector that is supported by City of Good to galvanise the need for donations for groups impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bhaskar’s Arts Academy is a traditional Indian dance and music performing arts company, established in 1952. Besides staging several ticketed performances annually, they also take the arts to schools and the community through various channels.
Singapore Chinese Orchestra is Singapore’s only professional national Chinese orchestra made up of more than 80 musicians.
Tang Renaissance aims to promote the heritage of the traditional art form of Shanghai Yue Opera. Discover its music videos produced during the Covid-19 lockdown period, synchronising musicians with its creative editor. Macbeth (English version) Macbeth (Chinese version), The Haunted Temple (Bilingual version)

ARTS & HERITAGE CHEAT SHEET

The City of Good Show, premiering 24 June, is a collaboration between The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Dream Academy, supporting charities from various sectors including arts and heritage, children and youth, disability, and social service.
City of Good: The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward for the City of Good – a vision of a Singapore where individuals, organisations and leaders come together to give their best for others. Arts and Heritage is one sector that is supported by City of Good to galvanise the need for donations for groups impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nine Years Theatre is a major player in the local Mandarin theatre scene. The group champions the practice and research of systematic actor training, and aims to create high quality stage productions, engage their audience in the discussion of art, and build and promote a Singapore presence on international platforms.
Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film champions film and photography and their value to society. Their goal is to cultivate original voices in visual storytelling, and to inspire and broaden perspectives through the power of images.
OH! Open House is an independent arts organisation that tells alternative stories of Singapore through unique experiences of appreciating art and heritage in unconventional locations, realms beyond museums and galleries – from strangers’ homes to under-utilised public spaces. It seeks to tell alternative stories of Singapore through art.

ARTS & HERITAGE CHEAT SHEET

The City of Good Show, premiering 24 June, is a collaboration between The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Dream Academy, supporting charities from various sectors including arts and heritage, children and youth, disability, and social service.

City of Good: The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward for the City of Good – a vision of a Singapore where individuals, organisations and leaders come together to give their best for others. Arts and Heritage is one sector that is supported by City of Good to galvanise the need for donations for groups impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bhaskar’s Arts Academy Ltd is a traditional Indian dance and music performing arts company, established in 1952. Besides staging several ticketed performances annually, they also take the arts to schools and the community through various channels.
Playeum Ltd is an independent charity that develops life skills in children through play, creativity and the arts. We work with all children, including children from marginalised backgrounds and children with disabilities. It seeks to partner more charities and schools to serve their community. “Since children can’t come to us, we want to go to them.”
Singapore Book Council develops, supports and advocates a multicultural literary arts sector. It has nurtured generations of writers with the awards and capability development, and continues to run its programmes online.
Tang Renaissance aims to promote the heritage of the traditional art form of Shanghai Yue Opera. Discover its music videos produced during the Covid-19 lockdown period, synchronising musicians with its creative editor. Macbeth (English version) Macbeth (Chinese version), The Haunted Temple (Bilingual version)
The Theatre Practice is Singapore’s longest-standing professional bilingual theatre institution. Artist-driven and deeply progressive, Practice strives to be an arts space in Singapore that consciously nurtures and empowers people who care about humanity.

ALLIANCE OF GUEST WORKERS OUTREACH CHEAT SHEET

The Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach, a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA-AGWO), delivers two meals a day to about 10,000 workers, for a daily total of 20,000.
Meals cost about $3 each.
In the 30 days since the start of the circuit breaker, the organisation had already dispatched about $1.8 million of meals (not including transport). At least another $1.8m is needed.
The charity hopes to reach up to 12,000 workers here, spread across 260 dormitories.
Ramadan-Vesak Day distribution: 3,000 pre-dawn meals to more than 40 dormitories, a Nawab’s Briyani special of mutton ghee briyani, hard boiled egg and dalcha.
Nawab’s Food Industries specialises in Indian-Muslim catered to the masses ($3-4 a pack), with production averaging about 2,500 to 3,000 meals daily, catering also to events for foreign workers.
HIA-AGWO has collaborated with the Ministry of Manpower and Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) to distribute more than 3,000 prayer mats to Muslim guest workers in 66 dormitories.
The Hope Initiative Alliance is an alliance of global charities and NGOs targeted at eradicating social inequalities.

COMET CHEAT SHEET

The COMET fleet of buses (MAXI) and vans (MINI) is used to facilitate the mass transfer of COVID-19 related passengers between facilities, including hospitals, dormitories and various community facilities.
They are the product of collaboration between SMRT Corporation, HOPE Technik and Sheares Healthcare, and supported by Temasek Foundation.
20 buses have been converted to COMET MAXIs. These all are MAN A22 (Euro V) buses previously owned by SMRT Corporation. They entered revenue service in late 2011, and were re-registered as private buses. Each can seat 32 patients in the passenger compartment.
5 vans have been converted into COMET MINIs. These vans will be retrofitted with the negative-pressure system for smaller passenger loads of up to nine.
5 more vans will be retrofitted with the negative pressure system for use as transporters with stretchers.
The joint effort is part of Temasek Foundation’s Stay Prepared initiative and supports the nation’s SGUnited community efforts by leveraging each other’s strengths in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
SMRT subsidiary Strides Transportation, a local limousine and premium bus service provider, oversees the operations, driver training and maintenance of the COMET MAXI fleet.
Sheares Healthcare, which invests in and provides healthcare delivery services in Asia, owns the fleet of COMET MAXIs and works with the Ministry of Health to complement its patient transport services.

Tag: national council of service

Championing Mental Wellness Among Youth in Singapore

Caring for the Volunteers Who Care for Others