CAL In The Spotlight
The collection below lists instances in which CAL was featured by the media: in newspapers, on television and on radio. Also included are other mentions, such as in publications and speeches. Know something that's not included? Notify us about it through our website's enquiries form!
5 September 2021
Support programme helped young caregiver of elderly parents cope with responsibilities
The Straits Times
When her father suffered a sudden stroke in 2016, Ms Bridget Vargilia Welford, 34, quit her job in advertising to care for him during the day and worked night shifts as a buffet server at a hotel.
After his death, Ms Bridget faced health and financial issues of her own and started worrying about her mother, Madam Eliza Monica De Silva, 59, who's showing signs of dementia.
Ms Bridget joined an eight-week programme by Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) for young caregivers of those with dementia, at Bishan Community Club in April, hoping to learn more about dementia and caregiving.
5 September 2021
Courses and support networks help young caregivers facing burnout
The Straits Times
In the past, Mr Oscar Koh, 27, had found himself drained while trying his best to help his two friends who are suffering from depression and family abuse, while also taking care of himself.
Mr Koh joined the Young Caregiver Programme in March this year, after learning more about it during a collaboration between CAL and SIT. Launched last year, the eight-week programme caters to those aged 18 to 35, equipping them with skills and knowledge to better care for their loved ones and themselves.
"Through this course, I realised it was good for me to lay down boundaries and carve out time for myself."
27 August 2021
患罕见“疑病症” 少年整天怀疑自己罹患绝症
Lianhe Wanbao
何女士的儿子自从15岁就开始怀疑自己患上了绝症，如脑瘤，皮肤癌，等。她带着儿子看了无数名专科医生，却查不出任何问题。后来，儿子被诊断患有疑病症(hypochondria)，一种精神疾病。久而久之，何女士为了顾儿子而陷入忧郁状态，甚至害怕面对儿子。直到有一天儿子的心理医生发现照顾儿子的她累垮了，安排她与丈夫到家庭辅导。通过家庭辅导，何女士终于发泄多年的委屈，丈夫也比较了解她的感受。从那天起，何女士对于儿子的病症也改了观，母子俩一同走上康复之道。
如今，何女士在照顾者联盟(Caregivers Alliance Limited)当义工导师，扶持其他的照顾者，并为精神健康倡导。
23 July 2021
Capital 95.8 城市频道 – 琪实你懂吗: 照顾者的自我照顾
Capital 95.8FM
在7月23日的 958 广播:琪实你懂吗，照顾者联盟(CAL)的心理教育者及资深辅导员 Sharon以及照顾者 Richard (67岁) 一同分享了关于照顾者自我照顾的重要性。
Richard今年67岁，照顾88岁的养父。养父自2011年被诊断患有失智症(dementia)。他说，通过12个星期的课程，照顾者同学们互相分享自己的照顾旅程与经历。通过分享，自己的情绪也舒缓多了。至今，Richard与照顾者群还保持联络，他们继续地互相鼓励，互相扶持，互相学习。
23 June 2021
Staying sane in S'pore: The impact of coronavirus on mental health
Yahoo News
All of our everyday stresses and pre-existing mental health concerns have been compounded by the additional problems brought about by living with COVID-19. In 2020, Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) has seen an increase in the number of people needing more training and support in caring for someone with a mental health issue.
While the pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health, and there definitely have been improvements in public awareness in recent years, there is still a long way to go as many caregivers, and people with mental health illness remain reluctant to reveal their conditions or seek treatment for fear of being stigmatised.
17 June 2021
Creating a caring kampung: Rethink how to care and support caregivers
The Straits Times
Note: This is a ST Premium Article.
The article highlights the need for a paradigm shift towards caregiving and what it means. A relationship of care between the caregiver and loved one goes well beyond laborious work, and is very much grounded in moral emotions and care ethics that retains the respect for and dignity of those cared for. By recognising the value in caregiving, we can build a more empathic community that cares for the caregivers among us.
"Caregivers Alliance Limited, a non-profit organisation that helps the caregivers of those with mental health issues, is an example of an organisation that helps shape caregivers' sense of identity and belonging to the community"
15 June 2021
Care groups see spike in mental health crises in Singapore amid heightened alert curbs
The Straits Times
Following the announcement of Phase 2 Heightened Alert (HA), SOS experienced a 12 per cent increase in the volume of calls that week compared with the week before. The increased restrictions and the subsequent loss of support from outside the home compounded stress factors such as fears about the virus, difficult living situations, and fears about job loss and the future, say social workers.
Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) saw a "disturbing increase" in attempted and completed suicides between May 2020 and April 2021 among people being cared for. Since April 2020, CAL has increased its number of helplines from one to six to meet the intensified need for support.
1 May 2021
Mental wellness an important issue amid Covid-19 pandemic: Shanmugam
The Straits Times
Mr Shanmugam joined the board members of charity Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) on a short walk at the Botanic Gardens with several canine companions.
The walk is part of a larger campaign by CAL to raise awareness about mental health and the challenges faced by caregivers of people with mental health issues. It also aims to raise funds for CAL, which provides free training programmes for these caregivers.
20 Apr 2021
Championing the mental health cause
The New Paper
Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) launches Walk for Mental Wellness, a fundraising campaign that seeks to highlight the importance of mental wellness, and the challenges faced by caregivers of those with mental health issues.
Caregivers tell The New Paper about how CAL has helped them better manage their role as a caregiver to their loved ones, and share their thoughts on what more can be done to support caregivers.
8 Apr 2021
Walk for Mental Wellness with the Caregivers Alliance
The Active Age
Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) has launched its first fundraising campaign for 2021, Walk for Mental Wellness. The campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health and to highlight the challenges of caregiving for people with mental health issues.
The line-up of MW champions features personalities and organisations who have been strong advocates for mental wellness in Singapore. The campaign will also highlight the range of services offered by the champions so that the public is better informed of what help and resources are available.
07 Apr 2021
Caregivers Alliance launches mental health awareness campaign
The Business Times
Anthea Ong and Tan Chuan-Jin are among the 18 prominent Mental Wellness Champions supporting CAL’s fundraising campaign - Walk for Mental Wellness. The list also includes actor Adrian Pang, athlete Constance Lien as well as organisations such as AIC, HSBC and Deutsche Bank.
The campaign hopes to destigmatise the topic of mental illness, creating a place of better inclusivity and acceptance for people with mental health issues and their caregivers.
06 Apr 2021
Walk for Mental Wellness Campaign
TheWellnessInsider
Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) launches Walk for Mental Wellness, a fundraising campaign that seeks to highlight the importance of mental wellness, and the services and resources available for people who face mental health issues and their caregivers.
Participants include prominent public figures in Singapore, including the MP of Bukit Batok Mr Murali Pillai, national athlete Constance Lien, and KTPH CEO Prof Chua Hong Choon. The public is encouraged to participate in the event to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellness.
30 Mar 2021
Voiceless and vulnerable, elderly susceptible to abuse
TheHomeGround Asia
According to MSF, there has been an increase in elder abuse, often inflicted by their own children. Most commonly seen are psychological abuse and neglect by those caring for seniors who have lost physical or cognitive function.
Caregivers can suffer from burnout which affects their physical and mental well-being. It is important for caregivers to practice self-care and understand that it is acceptable to reach out for help and support in order to have the strength and energy to better care for their loved ones.
15 Mar 2021
Mask for Good: Thank you for helping us raise more than $10,000 for Caregivers Alliance!
Prestige
In celebration of Prestige’s 20th anniversary in September 2020, Prestige launched the Mask for Good campaign. It was a series of three silent online auctions to raise funds for Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL).
09 Mar 2021
Power to the People: Jennifer Fan, Vice-Chair of Caregivers Alliance Limited, on mental healthcare
Prestige
Jennifer Fan, Vice-Chair of Caregivers Alliance Limited shares with PRESTIGE about her caregiving journey caring for her father. Jennifer has been a caregiver from a young age as her father suffers from schizophrenia – a psychiatric disorder he has had his entire life, including through Jennifer’s childhood.
04 Mar 2021
Penjaga skizofrenia perlu bantuan | Caregivers of persons with schizophrenia need help
Berita Harian
According to a research on caregivers caring for loved ones diagnosed with schizophrenia by Caregivers Alliance Limited and supported by Johnson & Johnson, most caregivers are low income earners and experienced financial difficulties while caring for their loved ones. Jared Goh, Head of Outreach and Corporate Services shared his observations while caregiver Aisha shared her caregiving experience in the interview.
Original article by Berita Harian is in Malay.
08 Jan 2021
调查：照顾精神分裂病患 四分是中年妇女且不少被迫离职
ZaoBao
联合早报的这项研究报道着照顾精神分裂患者可能带来的影响，是由照顾者联盟与医疗设备企业强生公司在前年第四季联合展开。
29 Dec 2020
Caregivers risk depression and burnout looking after a loved one – how to practise self-care and when to seek help
SCMP
Caregiver Gabriel shares with SCMP how CAL’s C2C Training programme gave him a better understanding of mental health conditions and renewed his hope of recovery for people with mental health illnesses. It also helped him realise that his family isn’t alone in their experience and that there is support and resources available.
23 Dec 2020
Causes Week 2020: Forest bathing for better mental health
The Straits Times
Project Reconnections is initiated and organized on a volunteer basis by Mr Ding Kian Seng, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide as a way to contribute towards community well-being and supported by Temasek Trust via the oscar@sg fund.
24 Oct 2020
Health Matters: The Mental Well-being of Caregivers
CNA938
Jared Goh, Head of Operations and Partnerships of Caregivers Alliance Limited share with CNA938 "How do you preserve your own well-being and sanity while caring for your loved ones who are ill?"
19 Oct 2020
Stronger Than Before: Caregiver Sheds Mental Health Stigma To Better Support Sister
AIC Blog
Jared Goh, Head of Operations and Partnership with CAL, shares with AIC about his caregiving journey and how CAL's Caregivers-to-Caregivers (C2C) training programme has helped him find joy in caregiving.
19 Oct 2020
Caregivers need to seek support to avoid burnout: Experts
The Straits Times
Jared Goh, a caregiver to his sister and Head of Operation and Partnership for Caregivers Alliance Limited, shared with The Straits Times about his caregiving journey.
13 Oct 2020
Caregivers face great pressure and need more help, say advocates
The New Paper
Caregivers shares with The New Paper on how it is important for caregivers to seek help and support whenever they need it.
26 Sep 2020
Enabling Festival 2020: Zoom In#1- Caregiving: Have We Done Enough?
Enable Asia
Tim Lee, Executive Director of Caregivers Alliance Limited spent the afternoon, sharing with the audience about the support programmes for caregivers.
20 Sep 2020
Forest Bathing in the Singapore Botanic Gardens Does Wonders for Mental Health
WAYD
Caregiver Nadia Daeng and her loved ones attended a forest bathing programme conducted by Mr Ding Kian Seng, a certified Forest Therapy Guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs in the US. Through the activity, Mr Ding initiated to reconnect individuals who are wheelchair users and rely on personal mobility aids to nature, while providing respite to their caregivers.
09 Jun 2020
Charities face new fund-raising reality amid pandemic
The Straits Times
An article by The Straits Times considers how charities have to adapt their fundraising models, and connect with their donors virtually. It mentions CAL as one of the charities that is running an online initiative, namely the Climb for Mental Wellness campaign that was launched on 6 June 2020.
25 May 2020
The Elderly, Mental Health and Caregiving
88.3JIA
Yin Feng, a CAL staff, is interviewed by Radio 88.3JIA. She discusses how mental health affects the elderly, giving her views on some common questions about aging and sharing tips to stay healthy.
30 Apr 2020
Non-profit organisation continues to support caregivers
The New Paper
One way that CAL supports caregivers is by giving them an avenue to meet others facing similar challenges. Nadia Daeng, a caregiver who went through CAL's C2C programme, shares how important such peer support was to her.
23 Apr 2020
Stressed Caregivers: Self-care via Body, Mind, and Spirit
AIC Blog
Karen Poh, a caregiver to her son and a Volunteer Manager at CAL, gives advice to other caregivers who are feeling stressed. She reminds them that it is important to practise self-care to be able to cope in the long run, and this can be done by considering the well-being of one's Body, Mind and Spirit.
18 Jan 2020
Speaking your mind
NUS
NUS' Speaking Your Mind Project launched a collection of stories about mental health on 18 January 2020. Included are personal accounts by caregivers who have benefited from CAL's services. The eBook is available for online viewing.
28 Dec 2019
Hugs and heartaches: Ageing parents stay strong despite challenges raising children with autism
Channel NewsAsia
An article by Channel NewsAsia on parents of autistic children features Jorah Mahmud, a caregiver who benefited from CAL's training programme when her son was admitted into the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). According to her, being able to share her experiences and to hear from others about their experiences was helpful.
07 Dec 2019
Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Health, at the Caregivers Charity Lunch 2019
Speech
Senior Minister of State Edwin Tong was the Guest-of-Honour at CAL's Charity Lunch 2019. His speech acknowledges the important role that caregivers play, and recognises CAL's efforts to form strong networks in the community through encouraging peer support and volunteering.
27 Oct 2019
When Your Child Has OCD
The Straits Times
Singapore has a higher prevalence of OCD than the global norm. In this The Straits Times article on youths in Singapore with OCD, Evelyn (staff at CAL and a caregiver to her son) shares about the improvement in her family situation after attending the C2C programme.
14 Oct 2019
Help is Within Reach
The Straits Times
In AIC’s feature on caregiving resources and respite care, CAL’s Caregivers-to-Caregivers Training Programme (C2C) is featured with the story of 24-year-old CAL staff and caregiver Ms Hidayah. With over 200 caregiver training courses by more than 60 training providers, CAL is one of the few Community Care partners that offers free caregiving courses.
The C2C Training Programme and Hidayah's story were featured in:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/help-is-within-reach
https://www.beritaharian.sg/setempat/khidmat-warga-tua-jagaan-masyarakat-dipertingkat
04 Oct 2019
前线追踪 | 她怎么帮助有心理疾病的女儿?
Channel 8
65岁的组织义工吴雪花 ，如何陪伴患有焦虑症和躁郁症的女儿走上康复之路？
Channel 8’s Frontline episode on 4th October 2019 features Irene, a mother and caregiver to her daughter who suffers from bipolar and generalised anxiety disorder. Before knowing CAL, Irene was suffering from exhaustion and even fainted on several occasions. On top of her volunteer trainer role at CAL, Irene is stationed at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Sunshine Buddy pushcart every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm, assisting with caregiving enquiries. Her daughter is an ambassador for the nationwide anti-stigma campaign Beyond the Label.
05 Oct 2019
'We even thought of ending our lives': A family’s struggle with their child's OCD and how they came out on top
Channel NewsAsia
Evelyn, a counsellor at CAL, and her husband Tony, share on Channel NewsAsia about how they avoided reaching the breaking point through their life-changing decision to attend OCD related courses and meet other caregivers. Read on to find out about their family's experience dealing with their son's OCD.
24 Jun 2019
Meeting changing social needs
The Straits Times
Elizabeth Swee, a caregiver-turned-staff at CAL, has her story featured in an article regarding the Tote Board Social Service Fund (TBSSF). The fund supports CAL's work of providing training and support to caregivers, with over 1,000 caregivers trained in 2017 alone.
21 Mar 2019
走进精神病患内心世界
Zaobao
Read the story of Ms Mary Yip, who was CAL's first volunteer trainer to conduct lessons in Mandarin. She later went on to join CAL as a full-time staff, and was instrumental in developing course content that caters to the Chinese-speaking community. Article by Zaobao (in Mandarin).
13 Feb 2019
New S$200 monthly grant to offset costs of long-term caregiving by end-2019: MOH
Channel NewsAsia
New government initiatives to support caregivers have been announced by Senior Minister of State for Health Edwin Tong in Parliament. One area of focus is in ensuring sufficient socio-emotional support for caregivers, and CAL will meet this need through its community outreach teams, supported by AIC.
19 Jan 2019
Caregivers, service providers share views in MOH review
The Straits Times
On 18 January 2019, CAL played host to a focus group discussion for caregivers and service providers, in a session initiated by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The session helped to identify common needs and issues faced by caregivers.
19 Jan 2019
政府探讨扩大看护者援助
Zaobao
An article by Lianhe Zaobao discusses the Singapore government's plan to give more support to caregivers. It mentions CAL playing host to a focus group discussion by MOH on 18 January 2019.
05 Dec 2018
Gen Y Speaks: What caring for my mum taught me about mental illness
TODAY
One of CAL's staff, Ms Mary Yip, is featured in an article by TODAY. She encourages caregivers to persevere in their caregiving journey, and to put themselves in their loved ones' shoes to better empathise with them.
28 Nov 2018
Two pledge to scale Mount Everest to raise awareness for mental health issues
The Straits Times
#YOLO2020, a campaign for mental health awareness with CAL as its main beneficiary, is featured in an article by The Straits Times. CAL Executive Director Tim Lee shares how the difficulties of mountain climbing are a fitting metaphor for the daily challenges faced by caregivers.
01 Nov 2018
Personally Speaking: The Art of Caregiving
Channel NewsAsia
Ms Nur Hidayah Abidin, a staff at CAL, is featured on First Look Asia. Together with producer Chelsea Chua and artist Alecia Neo, she talks about using dance and movement to express her caregiving journey in the project 'Personally Speaking: The Art of Caregiving'.
01 Nov 2018
Caring for Caregivers
Channel NewsAsia
In a video by Channel NewsAsia concerning efforts to help caregivers, CAL is highlighted as an organisation supporting caregivers of those with mental health issues through offering training programmes and facilitating the formation of caregiver support groups.
16 Oct 2018
Caregivers, fret not, more help is on the way
The Straits Times
Caregivers Alliance Limited is listed as a source of help for caregivers in an article by The Straits Times. The article notes that caregivers are now being provided with more resources.
13 Oct 2018
报读看护者培训班人数 六年增近十倍
Channel 8
An article by Channel 8, concerning the emotional and mental pressure that caregivers face, makes mention of the rise in demand for caregiver training programmes. It highlights that 1031 caregivers attended CAL's C2C programme in 2017, an increase of around 10 times from the programme's inception in 2011-2012.
04 Oct 2018
Best foot forward to support caregivers
Speech
Let's Take A Walk, an extreme endurance walking event organised by volunteers from Raleigh Singapore, raises funds for CAL.
17 Sep 2017
Channel 5 News Feature
Channel 5
Caregivers Alliance Limited is reaching out to insurers to garner stronger support for caregivers of persons with mental health issues. Mr Chew Sutat, Chairman of CAL's Board of Directors, and Ms Jennifer Fan, a caregiver, give their views.
21 Apr 2017
Helping the hidden heroes
The Straits Times
CAL provides support to those looking after persons with mental health issues through its Caregiver-to-Caregiver Training Programme (C2C). This article features two of our caregivers, James and Madam Samaniah, who have benefitted from the programme.
10 Feb 2016
A healthy mind isn't a given for anyone
The Straits Times
Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, co-founder of Caregivers Alliance Limited and ex-president of NCSS, writes about the often neglected figure of the caregiver and his journey in understanding mental health.
04 Aug 2014
New help centres for carers of mentally ill
The Straits Times
The Caregivers Support Centre officially opens at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to meet the needs of caregivers of persons with mental health issues. It is run by Caregivers Alliance Limited.