Congratulations to the graduates of our two C2C classes
As mental health caregivers are found in every area of society, CAL conducts regular outreach to ensure our services are available and accessible to everyone. We have long-term partnerships with community partners such as Bukit Batok Citizens Consultative Committee, where we work closely with their Green Ribbon Task Force (GRTF) to support the mental well-being of their residents.
Since 2017, CAL has conducted over 10 Caregivers-to-Caregivers (C2C) programmes in Bukit Batok, equipping and empowering caregivers with the tools and knowledge to care better for their loved ones and themselves.
CAL and Bukit Batok GRTF recently held a joint graduation ceremony for 29 caregivers from two C2C classes conducted for the area’s residents. One class was for caregivers of people with dementia, and another for those caring for people with mental health issues.
The ceremony was attended by Adviser of Bukit Batok Grassroots Organisations Mr Murali Pillai, who announced the launch of a meaningful community project that the GRTF is spearheading. CAL is one of ten community organisations, including the Bukit Batok branches of Feiyue FSC, Tzu Chi Foundation and Tong Chai Medical Institution to be featured in the ‘Mental Health Postcard 2021’, an initiative that aims to increase awareness and mental health literacy among Bukit Batok residents.
The postcard with information about mental health resources will be distributed to residents, with links to videos from each of the organisations. The video explaining CAL’s programmes and services and instructions on how residents can access them was launched on Mr Murali’s Facebook page on the same day.
Mr Albert Lee, a strong mental health advocate who leads the Bukit Batok GRTF was also there as a graduate of the dementia class.
“I found the course to be useful as I am caring for my father,” said Mr Lee. The most useful parts for me were to listen to the anecdotes shared by the other participants which helps me provide better support in my caregiving journey. I would recommend that all caregivers – or caregivers-to-be – attend CAL’s Caregivers-to-Caregivers programme to learn more about caring for someone with a mental health condition.”
With these efforts, we hope to spark more conversations about mental health, reducing the stigma and shame that is often associated with such issues.