Handmade & homosexual: longkangbrain.
On the 11th of May 2025, I had the privilege of volunteering with Longkangbrain, a mental health and LGBTQAI+ initiative founded by the inspiring duo KC and Nico. Their latest volunteering session, "Handmade and Homosexual," offered a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the upcoming PinkDot celebration, Singapore's annual pride event.
Joining a vibrant group of fellow volunteers, we engaged in the heartfelt task of creating bracelets to be distributed at PinkDot. Beyond the crafting, we also penned thoughtful notes for individuals who had supported the cause in the previous year. Guided by prompts such as "What does pride mean to you?" and "What does a safe space look like?", these messages, some accompanied by simple illustrations, were intended as tokens of exchange and connection for the community.
My experience was truly enriching. It was a joy to connect with individuals from across the LGBTQAI+ spectrum, fostering new bonds and engaging in meaningful interactions. Contributing to a larger event like PinkDot, which plays a vital role in promoting acceptance and belonging within Singapore's queer community, was deeply rewarding and I left feeling a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. Needless to say, I sincerely hope to collaborate with Longkangbrain again in their future volunteer opportunities as this experience truly underscored the power of community-led efforts in creating positive change and the profound impact of seemingly small acts of creativity and kindness in fostering a sense of belonging, aligning wholly with what I seek to do through my volunteering efforts.
The Bracelets I Crafted
PROJECT INNER LIGHT.
Joining Project Inner Light as an Assistant Programme Director has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, aligning with my passion for mental health advocacy and my drive to create meaningful, empathetic connections within the community. In this role, I am responsible for leading the planning and execution of engaging volunteer events that focus on mental health awareness, support, and empowerment. One of the key aspects of my work involves collaborating with various teams within the organisation to ensure the smooth implementation of events, while also partnering with external organisations for impactful mental health workshops and campaigns.
The mission of Project Inner Light, committing to empathy, awareness, inclusivity, and engagement, deeply resonates with my personal values and goals. I strongly believe in the importance of fostering open conversations around mental health, and through my role, I have been able to contribute to creating a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered.
One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on recently was a collaborative initiative with Darul Ihsan Orphanage. Together with my team, I helped facilitate a call to introduce a programme (The Luminara Programme) that aims to bring art therapy and grounding techniques to the kindergarten and primary school children residing within the institution. The idea behind this programme is to provide emotional support through creative expression and mindfulness, enabling the children to better manage stress and emotions. While the programme is still awaiting clearance, both the Project Inner Light and Darul Ihsan Orphanage teams are excited and enthusiastic about its potential. There is a shared desire to make this a long-term initiative, which would be a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact on the mental well-being of these children.
In my role, I’ve had the chance to work closely with different teams to create programmes that align with the values of empathy and inclusivity. The process of coordinating with external organisations, securing resources, and ensuring that events are engaging and meaningful has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills in project management, collaboration, and event facilitation. I’ve also gained valuable experience in partnership building, learning how to align the goals of different stakeholders in a way that creates mutual benefit for all involved.
This experience with Project Inner Light has been instrumental in shaping my approach to mental health advocacy. It has reinforced my belief in the power of community engagement, creative expression, and collaborative efforts to foster understanding and support for mental health issues. I am incredibly excited about the future of the programme and look forward to continuing to contribute to this important cause.
Project Inner Light's Logo Created by The President
MATCHSTICKS OF IMH.
My volunteering experience at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) with Matchsticks began on March 29th, 2025, and it has been a journey full of meaningful interactions, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I started my time volunteering at Ward 22B, a female ward, and was welcomed into a group of wonderful girls who were equally passionate about improving the lives of the residents. My role primarily focused on conducting various art-related activities, with the goal of engaging the patients and brightening their days.
During my sessions, I had the privilege of engaging in a variety of activities such as colouring, teaching and folding origami frogs, playing Uno, doing karaoke, and, most notably, creating beaded bracelets with the residents. These activities allowed me to form bonds with the patients and establish a rapport with them, offering a space for creative expression and connection. The joy I saw in their faces when they completed their beaded bracelets or when we sang together during karaoke is something I’ll always remember.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Ward 22B was the opportunity to have meaningful and insightful conversations with the residents. Many of them were older, and I found myself learning valuable life advice, while also offering my perspective to those closer to my age. This exchange of wisdom and experiences deepened my understanding of the human condition and reaffirmed my desire to pursue a career in psychology. The relationship between the nurses and patients was also something I observed and appreciated deeply as the bond between them was built on trust and care, creating a safe environment for the residents.
Every month, we celebrated birthdays for the patients, which was always a heartwarming experience. The sheer joy on their faces as we sang the birthday song and shared cake was a reminder of the small, yet significant moments that can bring happiness to those who might feel isolated or forgotten.
However, as Ward 22B was recently re-categorised as an acute ward, my team and I were transferred to Ward 82A, which consisted of elderly patients awaiting clearance for nursing home placement. Transitioning to 82A was challenging due to the residents’ tendency to be more passive or inactive, often preferring to sleep or engage in quiet conversations. Despite these challenges, I found joy in continuing to teach the residents how to fold origami frogs, which seemed to spark interest and engagement. We also adapted the activity of Mahjong into a more accessible version for the elderly, which provided some form of mental stimulation and fun. Although the conversations were often more limited, I was able to form connections through these simple activities, teaching residents to find joy in small creative tasks and engaging them in meaningful dialogue whenever possible.
A particularly special event occurred on June 14th, 2025, when Matchsticks organised an outing for approximately 30 residents to East Coast Park. I was part of the planning committee, responsible for designing the mass activity and preparing a wet weather contingency plan. With my background in art therapy, I created an activity called Coastline Creators, where the patients were asked to draw their favorite foods and what they saw around them at the beach. It was a fantastic opportunity to integrate creativity into the outdoor setting, and it was incredibly rewarding to watch the patients engage with the activity, contributing their personal stories and artistic expressions. While I was facilitating the activity, I also had the chance to connect with patients who were more relaxed and enjoying the environment, exchanging stories and making them feel comfortable in the midst of the outing.
Overall, my experience with Matchsticks has been both challenging and rewarding. The work itself has tested my creativity and emotional resilience, but it has also deepened my understanding of the importance of community support, mental health advocacy, and the therapeutic power of art. I’ve learned how to engage with people in different stages of mental health recovery and how to adapt activities to suit their needs. Most importantly, I’ve realised the importance of human connection, whether it’s through a simple conversation, a beaded bracelet, or a shared moment of joy during karaoke. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and am eager to continue my volunteer work, as I know it will continue to shape me into a more compassionate and empathetic individual.
My First Matchsticks Session with Ward 22B
Project meraki x Bendemeer Primary school.
On the 25th of July 2024 and the 1st of August 2024, the Project Meraki team was given the opportunity to carry out an outreach programme with Bendemeer Primary School, alongside two J1 Meraki participant volunteers.
This opportunity arose through a teacher from SAJC who facilitated a connection between Project Meraki and Bendemeer Primary, enabling the project to extend its reach beyond the school community. Driven by the desire to impact a wider audience, the team eagerly embraced this partnership and commenced planning two days of engaging activities designed to promote mental wellbeing and provide a positive outlet for the primary school students, many of whom face the pressures of school and challenging family situations.
Collaborating with the J1 volunteers, the team developed a diverse range of activities for each day, creating visually appealing presentations to capture the attention of the target audience. The programme focused on equipping the children with practical strategies for managing their mental and emotional health, while also providing a fun and supportive environment for them to relax and de-stress. The activities were carefully curated to be age-appropriate and interactive, fostering participation and engagement.
This experience proved profoundly impactful and personally rewarding. Witnessing the children's positive responses to the programme and their active participation in the activities was deeply moving. Despite their natural exuberance, the students demonstrated remarkable attentiveness and appeared to genuinely benefit from the workshops. The team was particularly gratified by the feedback received from teachers and even the school's disciplinary master, who commented on the project's success in positively influencing the selected children.
The experience at Bendemeer Primary School solidified my strong interest in psychology and the provision of emotional support to others. Directly participating in and observing the healthy mental development of younger children was both inspiring and affirming. The opportunity to contribute to their wellbeing and witness their growth firsthand was a truly invaluable experience. Should the opportunity arise, I would enthusiastically welcome the chance to participate in similar outreach initiatives in the future. This experience has not only broadened my understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing in young children but has also fueled my passion for contributing to their emotional growth and development.
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Conducting Sesssion One of Meraki at Bendemeer Primary School
A Meraki Kid Participating in "Giving Gratitude" with Me
Kwong wai shu hospital.
As part of Saints Advocate's outreach efforts between 2023 and 2024, I participated in visits to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, located near our school. These visits provided an opportunity to extend our befriending initiatives to elderly patients who often had limited social interaction beyond the hospital staff.
During our time at the hospital, we brought similar engaging activities that we conducted at Lion Befrienders to the patients. This included facilitating arts and crafts sessions to encourage creativity and provide a stimulating pastime, engaging them in gentle activities, and playing board games to foster interaction and a sense of normalcy. We also shared the joy of music through karaoke sessions, aiming to uplift their spirits and create a more positive environment within the hospital setting.
These visits to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital were a meaningful extension of Saints Advocate's commitment to serving the elderly. It allowed us to reach individuals who might be facing extended periods of isolation due to their medical circumstances. By bringing companionship and engaging activities to them, we hoped to brighten their day and provide a connection to the outside community. This experience highlighted the importance of reaching out to vulnerable individuals within our immediate vicinity and the positive impact that simple acts of kindness and engagement can have on their well-being.
A KWSH Session
Lion Befrienders.
From 2023 to 2024, my commitment to Saints Advocate included regular volunteering sessions with Lion Befrienders at their Bendemeer center. This weekly engagement provided a direct opportunity to connect with and support elderly residents in the community.
During these sessions, I actively participated in a variety of activities designed to foster social interaction and combat loneliness among the seniors. These included facilitating arts and crafts sessions, leading gentle exercise through chair zumba, engaging in friendly competition with various board games, and sharing moments of joy through karaoke. Alongside fellow members of Saints Advocate, I also took initiative in planning specific activities to cater to the interests and needs of the elderly participants.
This consistent interaction with the elderly at Lion Befrienders was a deeply rewarding aspect of my time in Saints Advocate. It allowed me to build genuine connections with individuals from a different generation, listen to their life experiences, and contribute to creating a more engaging and less isolated environment for them. The experience reinforced the importance of intergenerational connection and the positive impact that simple acts of companionship and engagement can have on the well-being of the elderly in our community.
An LB Session with Friends of VO
Saints giraffes 2024.
For National Day 2024, as J2 students, we participated in a community engagement initiative called Saints Giraffe. This involved venturing into Chinatown to conduct interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The central focus of these conversations was to explore their experiences with volunteering and their willingness to continue such activities in the future.
Our class was divided into smaller groups, and we actively approached members of the public to gather their perspectives. Engaging with strangers from a wide array of ethnicities and life experiences, we listened to their personal stories related to giving back to the community. It was heartening to learn that for many, volunteering remained a significant value and a priority in their lives.
Through these interactions, I gained valuable insights into the motivations behind volunteering and the diverse ways individuals contribute to society. Hearing firsthand accounts of the impact of their efforts reinforced the importance of community involvement and the spirit of selfless service that exists within our society. This experience underscored the idea that despite busy lives, many people find meaning and fulfillment in dedicating their time and effort to helping others.
23A06 at Chinatown Complex
SaINTS ADVOCATE OSLP BINTAN.
In 2023, as part of Saints Advocate, I embarked on an Overseas Service Learning Programme (OSLP) trip to Bintan, Indonesia. This immersive experience provided a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with the local community and foster meaningful connections.
Our primary engagement was with a local orphanage, where we dedicated our time to befriending the children through a variety of activities. These ranged from practical tasks like cooking meals together to more interactive engagements such as playing the guitar, conducting basic English and Math lessons, and participating in sports. As part of the teaching committee subgroup, I was involved in the crucial task of preparing a diverse range of learning resources translated into both Bahasa Indonesia and English to facilitate effective instruction.
Our outreach extended beyond the orphanage to a kindergarten located in the red-light district. There, we focused on befriending the young children and introducing them to basic Math and English concepts, utilising Bahasa Indonesia as a bridge. We also engaged them in various games, aiming to bring joy and create positive interactions.
Furthering our commitment to the community, worganised and participated in a food and essentials drive, personally delivering the collected items to the women of the village. Following this, we hosted a vibrant game carnival specifically for the young children. This event provided a platform for them to connect with their peers and with us, engaging in games they might not typically have access to and receiving prizes like toys and snacks. We also had the opportunity to participate in farming activities, contributing by planting vegetables that would later be harvested by the collaborating orphanage for their meals.
The entire OSLP trip to Bintan was an incredibly enriching experience. Sharing meals with the children at the orphanage and connecting with them on various levels created lasting memories and a deeper understanding of their lives. Beyond the service aspect, this trip also played a significant role in strengthening the bonds within our Saints Advocate CCA, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared purpose.
14th VO Holding a Carnival at an Orphanage in Bintan
saints support silver homes 2023.
As part of the J1 National Day initiative in 2023, I had the meaningful opportunity to participate in Saints Support Silver Homes. This volunteering activity involved journeying to the Beo Crescent area to provide essential cleaning services to the homes of elderly residents facing mobility challenges. Our aim was to alleviate the burden of household tasks that these individuals found difficult to manage independently.
Beyond the practical assistance, a crucial aspect of this experience was befriending the elderly residents. Recognising that many lived alone, we dedicated time to engaging with them, ensuring they felt less isolated. Our interactions ranged from the physical tasks of cleaning and tidying their living spaces to more personal moments of connection. We painted chipped gates, helped rearrange furniture for better accessibility, and thoroughly cleaned their homes. We also shared moments of camaraderie by listening to old-time music and looking through cherished photo albums, offering a listening ear as they recounted stories from their past.
This experience at Beo Crescent was profoundly enriching. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by the elderly and being able to directly improve their living environment was incredibly impactful. The opportunity to connect with them on a personal level, sharing stories and companionship, was equally valuable. It provided a deeper understanding of their lives and the importance of community support. For me, participating in Saints Support Silver Homes offered a far more meaningful way to spend National Day than any typical celebration, leaving me with a lasting appreciation for the importance of empathy and service to the community.
