35 local organisations collaborate for World Mental Health Day Oct 10; features Starbucks tie-in with limited-edition gifts
This year’s instalment of the annual celebration will feature its first collaboration with Starbucks.
In order to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2023 (WMHD), the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will be spearheading a celebration that will begin Oct 10.
The theme for this year’s instalment will be “Stand together for mental health.”
Through a variety of initiatives and activities, AIC aims to increase the Singaporean general public’s awareness of mental health, reduce stigma surrounding it, and “create a more supportive environment for those living with mental health issues.”
The organisations involved include the Ministry of Manpower, SHINE Children and Youth Services, Silver Ribbon Singapore and TOUCH Community Services. Starbucks is the initiative’s sole collaborator, and will be taking part for the first time this year.
Highlights
Across the event calendar, there will be a slew of workshops, activities, and events that attendees can look forward to, organised by AIC’s various partner organisations under WMHD.
Among the activities offered is Pause and Petals, a flower-arranging and preservation workshop organised by the Singapore Association for Mental Health on Nov 3. The workshop aims to uplift attendees’ spirits and serve as a form of art therapy. It will be free to attend, and is open to individuals above the age of ten.
For those looking to learn more about improving their mental health and supporting others, there are also resources and talks available.
Brahm Centre will run a mindfulness foundation course on Oct 6 from 7pm to 9pm. In the face-to-face workshop, attendees will be taught to understand their body’s connection to the mind, and how to untangle stress triggers and anxiety to reduce reactivity.
Those looking to support seniors struggling with dementia or simply on the lookout for symptoms can attend a lunch talk titled Knowing Dementia and Resources, which will take place on Oct 20 at 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
A four-episode podcast by the Institute of Mental Health will also be available for youths to learn about mental health. It aims to teach listeners about youth mental health, stigma surrounding psychosis, and disclosure of mental health conditions to employers and romantic partners.
The podcast, hosted by Principal Medical Social Worker Lee Kaiyi, will feature sharings from experts, caregivers, and persons with lived experience of mental health struggles.
New episodes will be released every Tuesday at 6pm. The first episode will be available Oct 10. Sign-up details and a full calendar of events are available via Facebook and Instagram posts on Mental Health Awareness’ social media platforms.
Starbucks collaboration
WMHD will collaborate with Starbucks for the first time this year. The collaboration will support Beyond the Label, a collective by the National Council of Social Service to promote social inclusion and reduce stigma for those struggling with their mental health.
Starbucks will release a set of limited-edition pins and stickers at all its outlets in Singapore.
The pins and stickers will feature WMHD’s Muffinsaurs alongside Beyond the Label’s official mascot, BRAVE.
Customers can redeem their merchandise by greeting their Starbucks barista with “How’s your day?” and writing a short message on Facebook or Instagram to pledge their support for mental wellness.
They can tag @MentalHealthAwarenessSG on Facebook, and @mhawarenesssg on Instagram. The campaign’s hashtags are #StandTogetherforMH and #WMHD2023.
In addition to the collaboration, Starbucks has committed to adding more mental health programmes to its roster of medical benefits for employees. It will also train managers in its head office and stores to provide mental health support to employees.
Resources for support
Aside from its programmes, activities and collaboration with Starbucks, WMHD will also provide resources and a show of support for mental health on an e-social wall.
WMHD’s official resources can be accessed via complimentary mental health awareness e-learning modules on AIC’s website. Participants will receive e-certification upon completion of each module
The Health Promotion Board will also be running a national campaign titled ‘Supporters who listen support better’ from September to December. The campaign urges the public to put empathy first and emphasise listening over giving advice.
Alongside these resources, WMHD will also see messages of support being consolidated and screened via an e-social wall. Those who wish to participate can tag their posts with #StandTogetherforMH and #WMHD2023.
If you are looking for mental well-being resources, check out Youthopia’s resource page with everything from mental health self-assessments to tips for coping with challenging seasons in life.
Other helplines you may find useful:
- National Care Healthline: 1800-200-6868
- TOUCHline: 1800-377-2252
- Mindline SG: https://mindline.sg/
- Limitless: www.limitless.sg/talk
- Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT): 6493-6500/6501
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Samaritans of Singapore (24-hour hotline): 1800-221-4444
