Beyond The Label launches concept train to destigmatise mental health conditions

You can now learn about mental health while on your commute to work or home.

The Beyond the Label (BTL) movement, an initiative of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), unveiled a BTL concept train with the message to “Go Beyond” on Tuesday (Oct 25).

The concept train was launched in a bid to create an environment that encourages conversations around mental health and help-seeking behaviour.

Launched by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, the train IS expected to reach out to an estimated 504,000 commuters who will travel on the North-South Line between Jurong East and Marina South Pier.

The train will run for 19 hours daily over the course of four weeks.

Mr Tan believes that it will take time to destigmatise mental health issues and empower people to look after themselves and others. ”Together, we can help move this along a little faster. BTL and our SG Mental Well-Being Network are important efforts that bring partners together to support this cause.”

Supporting the BTL collective, TOUCH Community services has also worked with like-minded partners and government agencies to train residents in selected neighbourhoods to identify tell-tale signs of declining mental health so help can be rendered to them early.

In these neighbourhoods, there will also be a Pebble Walk with encouraging messages in support of persons with mental health conditions, and signposts carrying mental health resources and services.

This follows the completion of the first Pebble Walk installation in Queenstown, with two more Pebble Walk installations slated to be unveiled at Tiong Bahru and Moulmein-Cairnhill in the last quarter of 2022, along with mobile exhibitions in schools and the neighbourhoods.

Social service agencies like CARE Singapore, Samaritans of Singapore and AMKFSC Community Services are consolidating training efforts in mental health befriending, first responders, and peer support.

Mr James Tan, CEO of TOUCH Community Services, said that the initiatives represent the journey of support for persons with mental health conditions and their caregivers.

“We want to equip more in the community to promote help-seeking, guide people on healthy coping strategies and strengthen peer support. All of us have a role to play in building a more caring community,” he added.