On 20 May 2023, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) launched their campaign, "We See You Care", which shines the spotlight on caregivers. Whether they are caring for the physical or mental health needs of their loved ones, “We See You Care” seeks to acknowledge the selfless dedication of caregivers and raise awareness about their essential yet often underappreciated role in society.
Several partners, including CAL, were invited to the launch event. We had the opportunity to share our perspectives on the challenges faced by mental health caregivers, as well as the importance of validating their efforts. The positive impact created can have a lasting ripple effect.
One of our volunteers, Warren Sheldon Humphries spoke about his caregiving journey. Sheldon is a caregiver to a loved one diagnosed with depression and a friend with post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2020, Sheldon was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an incurable condition that causes progressive nerve damage. Faced with this news, he questioned his ability to continue being a caregiver.
However, Sheldon found support, healing and resilience through the 12-week C2C-PMHI course, where he found a community that understood his experiences. Today, he co-facilitates C2C training sessions for other caregivers and has become a voice for them and those in recovery.
“Caregiving is not something you just take and switch off if you want to; it’s a 24/7 journey. For me, it was to provide those whom I care for the opportunity to regain their hope and dignity, and that kept me going forward. I’m humbled to say that within the class and people I’ve met at CAL, everyone’s experiences have been equally inspiring,” said Sheldon.
CEO Tim Lee expressed that as an organisation dedicated to supporting the needs of mental health caregivers, CAL hopes to reach as many caregivers as we can, and break the pervasive stigma that surrounds mental health.
“There are still many mental health caregivers out there who remain unseen and unheard because they may be hesitant to come forward. We hope to tell them, ‘CAL is here for you’,” he said.
