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The Mental Health Public Education Grant Call

Mental health conditions are not uncommon in Singapore, as about one in seven Singapore residents has experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime (ref: Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 conducted by the Institute of Mental Health). From the NCSS Study on Public Attitudes towards Persons with Mental Health Conditions in Singapore (ref: NCSS Launches First Nation Wide Campaign to Fight Mental Health Stigma), seven in 10 respondents believed that persons with mental health conditions experience stigma and discrimination in their daily lives, and yet more than five in 10 respondents were not willing to live with, live nearby, or work with a person with mental health condition.  The Mind Matters study on mental health literacy conducted by the Institute of Mental Health, where nine in 10 respondents believe that those with mental health issues “could get better if they wanted to”, 50% said that mental health issues are “a sign of personal weakness” and six in 10 said that such people are “unpredictable” (ref: Straits Times article). Therefore, public education initiatives are necessary to raise awareness on mental health conditions, reduce stigma related to mental health conditions and promote inclusion and acceptance of persons with mental health conditions.

The Mental Health Public Education Grant Call aims to:
  • Achieve collective impact via a collaborative approach to reduce stigma related to mental health conditions; and
  • Build capabilities of social service organisations in driving public education initiatives aligned to the nationwide Beyond the Label movement

Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant is registered with the Commissioner of Charities (COC), Registry of Societies (ROS) or Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Funding quantum:
Up to 80% of total actual expenditure, capped at $20,000 per agency.

Download the application form here.

Please note that the Grant Call application will be open from Friday, 26 February 2021 – Friday, 26 March 2021. For any enquiries or information, please contact NCSS Mental Health Services team at NCSS_Mental_Health@ncss.gov.sg.

The Mental Health Public Education Grant Call is supported by Tote Board under the Tote Board Strategic Initiative on Mental Health.

For Individuals

Words Matter
Using factual, non-stigmatising words can encourage people who suspect that they may have a mental condition to seek professional help or affirm persons in recovery from mental health conditions in their recovery journey. We can do our part to regard every person with mental health condition with respect and dignity through our words and actions.
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Supporting a Person with Mental Health Condition
Being there for someone with a mental health condition doesn’t have to be frightening or awkward. Here are 8 tips to consider:

  1. Be present
  2. Establish trust
  3. Listen attentively and without judgement
  4. Do not be dismissive of the person’s sharing or actions. Allow the person time and space to explain how they are feeling and what he/she is going through
  5. Don’t be quick to offer solutions. Instead offer care and support
  6. Read up about different mental health conditions to better understand what the person is going through
  7. Encourage the person to seek help. Try saying “I appreciate you sharing the struggles you are going through. I was wondering if you have considered seeking help from a counsellor or a doctor.”
  8. Give persons with mental health conditions the same level of respect and dignity you would to anyone else
 

For Youths

Seek Help Early
If you suspect you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges, talk to someone about it. You can speak to your school counsellors, or refer to our Resource Directory for services available.

Better Support Peers and Loved Ones
  • Become a Peer Supporter - contact your school's Office of Student Affairs
  • Equipping yourself with mental health knowledge or join a support group to take better care of your mental health

Be the Catalyst for Change
  • Be a volunteer for mental health causes:
  • Share your story with us, so we can share with the public to inspire them
  • Raise awareness on mental health conditions (for example, use mental health topics for your schoolprojects or initiate conversations on mental health and stigma
  • Support the movement by liking and sharing the Beyond the Label Facebook page, or making use of the campaign materials and resources
  • Post mental health related content on your personal social media pages, such as how to take care of your mental health and building mental health resilience
>> Follow the Beyond the Label Facebook page for more upcoming events.

 

For Corporations

The Movement’s desired outcomes for employers are:
  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for disclosure
  • Adopt more inclusive hiring practices and put in place workplace accommodations
  • Equip colleagues with confidence and knowledge to support persons with mental health conditions

In May 2018, a WorkWell Leaders Workgroup comprising private and public sector leaders was formed to champion workplace wellbeing as a leadership priority. As its first collective action, the workgroup rallied employers to support the Beyond the Label campaign in the workplace on 10 October 2018, World Mental Health Day. These employers also pledged their commitment to the cause beyond the day. Click here for the list of employers who have pledged.

If you would like to find out more or be part of this movement, please contact the Mental Health Services team at ncss_mental_health@ncss.gov.sg.
 
Possible actions that employers can do to build an inclusive workplace:

Raising Awareness and Encouraging Dialogue on Mental Health
  • Screen the campaign videos via internal channels or platform/event within the company
  • Promote a safe culture to talk about mental health conditions (for example, facilitated discussions within work sub-teams to share their thoughts and views)
  • Have consistent internal messaging, and use company’s internal communications to raise awareness of mental health
  • Provide opportunities to increase employee’s understanding of mental health through volunteering or supporting mental health events (for example, sign up as volunteers on Giving.sg for mental health charities or organise experiential workshops)

Mental Health Education and Training
  • Conduct general mental health education for all employees to learn about mental health and how to manage their own mental health
  • Conduct training for employees on how to support co-workers with mental health conditions
  • Conduct training for supervisors and managers on how to better support staff

Access to support
  • Increase work support through teamwork or buddy systems
  • Set up a network of mental health champions or coaches at the workplace
  • Provide access to counselling (for example, Employee Assistance Programme)

Policy
  • Create a best-practice mental health policy under their companies’ HR policies (for example, benefits such as health insurance subsidies, leave policies)

 

 
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Last Updated 25 February 2021