~by: Candy Leow~
Update:
The AWWA Centre for Caregivers welcomes the interest among netizens on caregiving issues in Singapore.
We thank The Online Citizen for carrying the story on the launch of our Caregivers Connect initiative which seeks to connect caregivers for mutual support, information sharing and learning.
Our programmes cater to caregivers of the disabled and elderly as well as the terminally and mentally ill in Singapore, regardless of their ethnic background. The Centre runs the Caregivers Education and Support Programme (CESP) which comprises 6 stand-alone workshops customised for family caregivers dealing with various psycho-social aspects related to one’s caregiving journey. During these workshops, we encourage caregivers to take time to look after their own mental well-being and health to better cope with the responsibility of looking after their loved ones over prolonged periods.
The Centre is partially funded by MCYS and we also seek funds from corporations and private donors besides organizing fund-raising events to support our activities and day to day operations. To reach out to caregivers across the island, we partner closely with organizations and VWOs in the medical and social service sectors as well as agencies such as the Health Promotion Board, the Agency for Integrated Care and the Centre for Enabled Living. Going forward, the Centre intends to reach out to more caregivers with the message that they are not alone, by connecting then with fellow caregivers through engaging programmes and quarterly events and via the Caregivers Connect online portal which will be launched in 2012.
More information about the Centre for Caregivers’ achievements, its upcoming activities and ongoing programmes can be found at www.awwa.org.sg. Caregivers requiring information about caregiving resources can dial the Centre’s info-line at 1800-2992-992.
Manmohan Singh
Director, AWWA Centre for Caregivers
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On 24 September 2011, some 50 caregivers, volunteers, AWWA board members and staff gathered for AWWA Centre for Caregivers’ inaugural Caregivers Connect, a community network for family caregivers. The event – held at the AWWA Khoo Foundation Auditorium – marked the historic beginning of a local movement for caregivers, by caregivers.
Since June this year, the Centre for Caregivers (CFC) has encouraged the growth of mutual self-help groups, which enable caregivers to meet regularly to engage, learn and share from one another’s caregiving experience. Caregivers can form these groups based on common interests, or the condition of their care recipients.
Following a round of icebreakers, Mr Manmohan Singh, Director of CFC, outlined the plan for quarterly Caregivers Connect activities which he hoped would be planned and organised by caregivers working with CFC staff. He also shared that an online portal targeted at home and work-based caregivers harnessing the use of the Internet and social media, would be launched in 2012. Caregivers were invited to share their stories through blog posts, podcasts and forum discussions.
Six caregiver representatives helped to launch the community network by forming a picture puzzle of the Singapore map, with joyful figures representing caregivers.
Mrs Sandra Berrick, President of AWWA and special guest for the event, shared a heartwarming speech about her caregiving journey and how painting has helped her to cope over the years.
After some refreshments, caregivers were ready to unwind with an afternoon of art. Initial feelings of uncertainty about what to paint were translated into excitement, as they expressed themselves freely in the process of painting. Some caregivers were keen to find out where to purchase the materials, while they made beautiful first attempts on canvas.
As the caregivers were kept busy yet relaxed in the world of the colours and shapes, Mrs Berrick and the board members of AWWA walked about to look at the works produced. Like Mrs Berrick, one of the caregivers also found the cold colours of blue and green to exude contentment and happiness.
The caregivers were offered more techniques on strokes and textures while soothing music played on to help them unleash their creativity.
Ms Violet Seow, a caregiver, said she was happy to learn a new skill and thankful for the opportunity to just celebrate life by taking an afternoon break.
One of the volunteers, Ms Lee Shu Pei, a teacher at Pei Hwa Secondary School, was thankful for being able to spend time with caregivers and listen to their stories. She planned to share insights drawn from the stories with her students.
Caregivers were eager to capture photographs of completed individual and collective works using their mobile phones and cameras. The creations will eventually be displayed as a mural for the Caregivers’ Wall at AWWA.
In her reflection, Mrs Berrick said the paintings revealed that each caregiver’s journey is different yet so much the same. She encouraged caregivers to take regular breaks to continue to meet and interact with other caregivers.
Towards the evening, the caregivers left with renewed energies and positive vibes from the experience of creating and connecting with each other. Some caregivers who had met for the first time left together that evening, bonded through sharing about their common yet unique caregiving experiences.
The next Caregivers Connect activity will be held on 19 November.
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More information of AWWA Centre for Caregivers can be found here: http://www.awwa.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=18
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People are free to organise their own events but how is this activity being funded? I hope it is not from our taxpayers money because I don’t approve of the taxes I pay going to such events. In any case, caregivers are just doing their jobs. Why the need to glorify them?
Haha, I’ve got clones doing my work for me now. Thanks.
I think they are a charity and are funded by corporations an private donations lah.
Goes to show not everything in Singapore need to rely on gahment and taxpayers to fund (even if the gahment did set this up in the first place?). Nice to see Singaporeans doing something to support the causes they believe in instead of just bitching on online forums and expecting the gahment to solve all of life’s problems.
These are people with hearts. The movement will surely grow as more like-mineded Singaporeans know about Caregivers Connect. Looking at the picture, it is indeed heartening to see people of different races and ages come together to pursue a common cause of giving care and help. A most laudable thind to do.
@Godwin
bro u lose the battle… Hahaha
Cannot spot any Malays in the picture. Tried to look for someone wearing a tudung. Could be hidden. It will be nice if Caretakers Connect tries to get a few of them to join. Then it will be one big happy family.
Why isn’t AWWA providing support for caregivers of the mentally ill? Why?
Godwin,
GOVERNMENT NO MONEY FOR SUCH GROUPS,
NEED TO KEEP TAX PAYERS MONEY TO PAY 8-MONTHS GDP BONUS TO TOP CIVIL SERVANTS N MINISTERS.
[FOR SOME, IT'S 300K x 8 MONTHS]
@Godwin
“People are free to organise their own events but how is this activity being funded? I hope it is not from our taxpayers money because I don’t approve of the taxes I pay going to such events. In any case, caregivers are just doing their jobs. Why the need to glorify them?”
————
I heard that every week the cabinet meet up and before meeting,
they have a feast or lunch. I am not sure who foot the bill….and wonder if you also “hope it is not from our taxpayers money because” you “don’t approve of the taxes” you “pay going to such events” ??
Its fine if these caregivers care and spend their time helping fellow singaporeans. We will not agree if they care for foreigners , or pap’s darling FTrash. It is only right that they care for fellow singaporeans only.
Make sure this does not happen, and if it does, it will be a Big issue.
good to see singaporeans from all walks of life to come help for a good cause
TOC has some humour starting this thread and the other one.
Caregivers look after disabled,stroke suffers, invalid people. They are volunteers. Some look after own family members long term. Some work at centers, most likely is paid I guess. Maybe some are volunteers too. Once I was at CDC and applied for job, CDC officer says “You can’t include caregiving ” inside your resume, because it is not a job or was it, because it is volunteer”. But Comcare center friend says you need to put it in.
In the most ideal situation, that borders fantasies, all caregivers should be compensated by a salary given by the government. because they are volunteers now, like that very difficult, cost are escalating. Small families means last generation with 3 or 4 siblings still can have one take care of invalid member, Now small families, 1 or 2 siblings means more strain on the young taking care on elderly and chronically ill.
Dear all… caregiving may be a duty of the siblings, spouse and children perhaps, but in our society are everyone doing so?..as such please give enough respect and reconition to these ‘hidden’ heros in the family who sacrifice so much of themself in time ,money even a good career for the sake of the love one be it elderly,children with needs or even mentally ill persons and it can and will happen to all families in Singapore at certain point in life, and many choose to “shoulder” the burden in silence to an extent of burn out and worst break down to depression, as such this caregivers Connect is to bring together all caregivers regardless of race or religion to share ,learn and even help each other to some extent to overcome such adversities which could be years in the making.
everyone will be old and may even fall sick and worst unforseen happening..so please people…can you imagine that.. your loves one simply put you ‘aside’ for such reasons and enjoy theirs, which maybe a trend somewhat..do have some thoughts from the heart before penning…wishing you guys well:)