Discovery Talk Series - Mental Health: Together We Care

[Wellbeing Discovery] Mental Health: Together We Care

Studies by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) have shown that persons with mental health conditions have lower quality of life. While social inclusion can significantly improve quality of life, majority of Singaporeans are not willing to live or work with persons with mental health conditions. As such, 7 out of 10 persons with mental health conditions experience stigma and discrimination.

Speakers from NCSS, TOUCH Community Services, and Campus Psy will talk about the prevalence of stigma towards persons with mental health conditions. They will teach participants how to play a part in creating an environment that is accepting and encouraging towards persons with mental health conditions. Participants will learn how to be an active supporter to family members or friends who are in distress. There will also be sharing of self-care tips for enhancing mental wellbeing. 

About the Speakers:

Mr Van Teo is a Manager at Mental Health Services, Service Planning & Funding Group, National Council of Social Service (NCSS). As part of the core functions of Service Planning & Funding Group, he identifies service needs and gaps in the mental health sub-sector. He also develops and implements effective services through partnerships with Social Service Agencies, so as to achieve the vision of Social Service Sector Strategic Thrust (4ST) that is “Every person empowered to live with dignity in a caring and inclusive society”. His current work portfolio also includes promoting social inclusion of persons with mental health conditions, through the nation-wide mental health anti-stigma campaign “Beyond the Label”.

Mr Cho Ming Xiu is the Founder & Executive Director of Campus PSY Limited. A youth mental health non-profit organization, that aims to promote mental health awareness and peer support among youths and young adults in the schools and workplaces.

He is the Co-Chair of the Youth Alliance, a network of agencies that share a common interest in addressing issues of youth mental health. Catalysed by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), co-led by Campus PSY Limited and TOUCH Community Services, consisting of Government, Healthcare, Social Service agencies and the Institutes of Higher Learning, in partnership with the Beyond the Label Movement. He is also one of the seven nominated members of Tote Board’s First Shared Gifting Circle for Children & Youth Mental Health in Singapore. And currently serves as a Convenor under the Youth Mental Well-Being Network

Ms Andrea Chan is the Head of Intervention and Mental Wellness at TOUCH Integrated Family Group. As a professional counsellor with a decade of clinical experience in the private and social service sector, Andrea has worked with clients from all walks of life on marital, mental health, cyber wellness and youth-related issues. With domain knowledge in mental health, she spearheaded the development of a slate of mental wellness programmes for all ages at TOUCH. 

This talk is organised in collaboration with the Welfare Services Club Regular Service Project (Mental Health) and NTU Graduate Students’ Association for “Mind Matters Mental Health Week” which will be held from 1 to 5 February 2021. The theme for 2021’s Mind Matters Mental Health Week is “Social Support”.

Closing date for registration: 02 February, 9.00 am