We’re making it easier for you to connect with us through our new NCSS Consolidated Hotline at 6210 2500.
SINGAPORE, 06 SEPTEMBER 2024 – The Beyond the Label (BTL) national
movement has made significant strides in raising mental health awareness through
a series of targeted initiatives between June 2023 and April 2024, impacting over
39,000 youths and their families in Singapore to reduce mental health stigma.
Additionally, it also engaged over 2,400 corporate representatives on the
importance of employee mental well-being at the workplace. These efforts are
driven by the BTL Collective, which is co-led by the National Council of Social
Service (NCSS) and TOUCH Community Services, and brings together 34 partners
across the public, people and private sectors to strengthen the mental health
ecosystem through education, self-care resources, and community support.
Additional information can be found in the Annexes
1 The BTL FY2023 Evaluation survey was administered to 405 respondents from March to May 2024, which includes respondents who attended one or more BTL programmes. It measured BTL’s effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes in FY2023 (June 2023 – April 2024): increase in BTL participants' mental health knowledge, acceptance towards persons with mental health conditions, supportive behaviour towards persons with mental health conditions, and willingness to seek help.
About National Council of Social Service (NCSS)
NCSS is the umbrella body for over 500 member agencies in Singapore. Its mission is to provide leadership and direction in enhancing the capabilities and capacity of our members, enabling the delivery of social services and strengthening strategic partnerships, for an effective social service ecosystem. Community Chest is the philanthropy arm of NCSS and Social Service Institute (SSI) is part of the sector capability arm of NCSS. For more information www.ncss.gov.sg.
Since 1992, TOUCH Community Services has served people of all ages, races and religions to see sustainable change and transformation in their lives. It believes in the worth and potential of every child, youth at-risk, family in need, caregiver, senior and person with special or wellness needs to grow, participate and contribute to the community. The heartbeat of TOUCH is to activate potential, build independence, connect people, and deliver impact by developing sustainable solutions in society. For more information on TOUCH, please visit www.touch.org.sg.
About Beyond the Label
For media enquiries, please contact:
Boo Jiun Yi
Ninemer Communications
Tel: +65 9299 3662
Email: boojiunyi@ninemer.com
Lim Si Yun
Ninemer Communications
Tel: 9119 5601
Email: limsiyun@ninemer.com
Annex A - About BTL 2.0 Steering Committee and organisations in the BTL Collective
Agency | Representative | |
1 | National Council of Social Service (NCSS) (Co-lead) | Tan Li San, Chief Executive Office |
2 | TOUCH Community Services (Co-lead) | James Tan, Chief Executive Office |
3 | Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) | Thomas Tan, Deputy Director |
4 | Care Corner Singapore | Christian Chao, Chief Executive Office |
5 | Institute of Mental Health (IMH) | Dr Lee Cheng, Clinical Director |
6 | MINDSET Singapore | Samuel Tan, CSR Lead and Manager, Communications |
7 | Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | Gasper Tan, Chief Executive Officer |
8 | SG Enable | Siti Mariam Selamat, Deputy Director |
9 | SHINE Children and Youth Services | Lee Seng Meng, Executive Director |
10 | Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) | Ngo Lee Yian, Executive Director |
11 | Singapore Children’s Society | Vivyan Chee, Deputy Director |
12 | Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) | Tan Lin Teck, Senior Director (Youth) |
Annex B - Key Findings from the BTL 2023 Evaluation
Domain | Outcome Indicator | FY22 Results | FY23 Results |
Knowledge | 1. Awareness of mental health conditions | 27% | 57.9% |
2. Awareness of mental health support and resources | 63% | 80.5% | |
Acceptance towards persons with mental health conditions | 3. Positive attitudes towards persons with mental health conditions | 55% | 75.0% |
Supportive Behaviours towards persons with mental health conditions | 4. Willingness to support loved ones with mental health conditions | 74% | 98.5% |
5. Willingness to hire persons with mental health conditions | 56% | 77.8% | |
Willingness to seek help | 6. Willingness to seek professional and/or non-professional help | 76% | 91.1% |
Annex C - Workgroup Initiatives
S/N | Areas of Focus | Initiatives | Partners |
1 | Schools (U16) |
|
|
2 | Schools (IHLs) |
|
|
3 | Workplace |
|
|
4 | Families |
|
|
5 | Neighbourhood |
|
|
Annex D - BTL Fest 2024
Timing | Programme |
2:50 pm | Emcee opening - start of morning/afternoon programme |
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm | Song Performance by singer-songwriter, BTL Ambassador
Layyi |
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm | Guitar Performance by Admiralty Primary School |
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm | Song Performance by buskers Silver Hype |
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Break |
5:40pm – 6:00pm | Band Performance by Temasek Polytechnic |
6:00 pm | Commencement of the Evening Programme |
6:25 pm - 6:30 pm | Percussion Ensemble by Beacon Primary School |
6:30 pm - 6:40 pm | Welcome Address by Host, SMS Dr Janil Puthucheary |
6:40 pm - 6:50 pm | Launch of BTL Theme by Mr President and Brand Video |
6:50 pm - 7:10 pm | Let’s Get Talking with Mediacorp Artiste and BTL Champion, Rebecca Lim & BTL Ambassador, Edwin Chaw |
7:10 pm - 7:17 pm | Jazz and Contemporary Dance by Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School |
7:17 pm - 7:25 pm | Modern Dance by Yishun Secondary School |
7:33 pm | End of the Evening Programme |
Games Booth
Booth Name | Description |
Bowling through Emotional Resilience | As we go through life, there will be moments where we feel 'bowled over', just like the pins in a bowling game. Take heart; we can bounce back through resilience and stand on our feet again with the support of those around us. These experiences will make us stronger over time! |
Mindful Arrows: Focus on the Present | When life gets overwhelming, we can adopt a similar stance to archery. Pause, take a deep breath, draw back the bow, and focus on the target. Then, watch the arrow fly. |
Clear the
Quacks:
Breaking Mental Health Stigma
| Stigma towards persons with mental health conditions is one
reason why people avoid seeking support. Hence, it is
important to debunk the myths associated with mental health
and dispel the stigma! In this game, identify the myths about mental health and shoot them down! Be careful not to
shoot the factual messages. |
Connect & Converse | Each disc we place represents the connections and
conversations people can engage in to learn more about
mental health. As each player takes turns adding discs, it
symbolises the act of encouraging conversations and coming
together to build a stronger community |
Wired for Empathy | The road to recovery for persons with mental health conditions may be filled with ups and downs. We can support one another by learning how to have conversations about mental health and journeying together, through it all. |
Organisation | Write up |
Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) | Let’s get talking about mental health with AIC through 3 key conversations!
Through these conversations, you can build good mental health for yourself, pick up knowledge and know where the help-seeking avenues are to seek support for yourself or your loved ones. You have the right to build good mental health for yourself! |
CARE Corner Singapore | Initiating a conversation about mental health can be uncomfortable and daunting. Unsure where to start? Educating yourself about mental health can ease your uncertainties and empower you to engage in these conversations more confidently. Visit Care Corner Singapore's booth to gain valuable knowledge on how to better engage and support someone. Speak with our staff to learn more and receive a special plushie keychain to aid you on this journey |
CARE Singapore | Join CARE Singapore at BTL Fest 2024 for a meaningful experience at our beading station. Engage in a fun and mindful activity where participants begin by picking a mindful card prompt to discuss a need or feeling they'd like to explore. Following this thoughtful conversation, participants can create a beaded word or design that resonates with their explored needs. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and express oneself creatively. Let's get talking and bead our way to better understanding and self-care! |
LIMITLESS | Let’s Get Talking About Feelings with Limitless at the Beyond the Label Fest. Limitless, a youth mental health organisation that provides accessible mental health services to youths aged 12-25 will be running a booth titled – “It’s OK to Feel”. It aims to help participants, young and old alike explore their feelings, recognise that they are an integral part of one’s mental health, and learn healthy coping strategies. Their booth will be equipped with several activities, including a “Feel Wheel” where they can talk about their emotions, a polaroid photo booth where they can take photos to express their feelings, and a station where participants can make their own Feel Wheel – a healthy reminder that they can bring home to remind them that it’s ok to feel, and to get talking about their feelings. The Feel Wheel kits will also contain information about mental health, how to spot signs of distress and where to seek professional help |
mindline.sg | let's talk by mindline.sg is an anonymous community forum that allows users to express their feelings, thoughts, and questions without fear of judgement, and to get advice and support from the community of helpers. Users can also reach qualified therapists to get their most pressing questions, thoughts, and concerns addressed by a professional. Aligning with this this year’s theme ‘Let’s Get Talking’, our booth aims to amplify stories of persons with mental health conditions and destigmatise help-seeking behaviour through genuine conversations – participants are encouraged to read through these stories on the let’s talk platform, respond with their own words of support or share the story with a friend. Participants will also get a chance to catch a Mili plushie from the mindline.sg claw machine. The Mili plushie also doubles up as a stress ball and contains a QR code that brings users to mindline.sg whenever they need self-help resources. |
MINDSET Care Limited (Jardine MINDSET) | The MINDSET booth features an engaging matching card game designed to provide psychoeducation on the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, highlighting that it can be as common as any physical illness. Additionally, visitors can also walk away with temporary tattoos and stickers adorned with inspirational messages and pictures, promoting open conversations around mental health to further reduce the associated stigma. |
National Youth Council | The Youth Corps Singapore booth supports the BTL Fest message of "Let's Get Talking" through 2 interactive stations hosted by the Youth Corps Mental Health Cluster and Project Re:ground Community Peer Supporters. Visitors will be invited to test their knowledge on peer support through a Myth or Fact gameshow and accumulate points to exchange for mental well-being related prizes such as self-care kits, stickers and more. Next, they can take part in a mental wellness challenge and learn how self-care could look like in different forms and how it could be integrated into their daily routines. |
SHINE Children and Youth Services | Aligned to the theme of “Let’s Get Talking”, our booth invites participants to engage in light-hearted conversation using prompts related to Growth and Coping. Often, we may engage in casual banter about our struggles. Perhaps due to the discomfort of upfront and direct disclosures, we may even downplay the efforts we put into overcoming life’s challenges. Through the activity here, we invite each one to move beyond banter and be able to share openly about our experiences as we reflect and affirm ourselves and others. You may be surprised by the growth and coping strategies that we are sharing as a community. Join us in having meaningful conversations Beyond Banter as we recognise you, your efforts, and your struggles for what they truly are. |
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) | Mindful Steps: A Snakes and Ladders Journey to Wellness
Here at the SAMH booth, we invite everyone to join us for a game of Snakes and Ladders, where we embark on a wellness journey filled with meaningful questions designed to prompt reflection on their current position in the mental health spectrum, from thriving to unwell. Aligning with the theme of “Let’s Get Talking,” the game serves as a platform for the public to open up and discuss ways to boost their self-esteem. The game also helps the public understand that it is okay to speak up and reach out for help. By doing so, they can embrace the fact that struggles are a part of human life and that by cultivating mental resilience and building strong support networks, we can strive to work towards a world where everyone’s well-being matters. |
Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) | “How Have You Bean?” is an interactive activity booth that aims to provide participants with a platform to learn more about children’s mental health. It allows participants to reflect on their own mental health journey and increase encouragement and help-seeking behaviour. |
Temasek Polytechnic (TP) | TP is presenting the Let’s Talk Through Play booth activities featuring Sand Tray Therapy and an interactive card game. Both activities allow participants to explore and express their mental health in safe and interactive ways. Participants can embrace the sensory experience of the sand tray activity, where they can touch the sand and use various miniatures to create a visual representation of their internal world and mental health reflections. In addition, participants can also engage in the interactive card game to practice empathetic responses and spark meaningful conversations. Visit TP’s booth and join us in fostering safe and open mental health conversations. |
TOUCH Community Services | The TOUCH Booth at BTL Fest 2024 provides a platform for creative expression of our emotions and thoughts surrounding mental health and wellness with the use of visual arts. Booth visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a wellness check-in with a creative element that introduces alternate ways to initiate conversations about our mental well-being. Participants will also be invited to leave their mark on a community art piece: a visual representation of our collective efforts to reduce stigma and start conversations about mental health. |
Partners | Description |
Greendot Starbucks Timberland |
|
In addition to the message card, Pu Tien and Irvin are offering exclusive discounts and promotions for its customers. | |
Pu Tien | A free dish will be offered when patrons follow BTL and Pu Tien socials |
Irvins | Offering complimentary chip with a minimum spending of $30 |
The Alley | Offering free toppings with purchase of Royal No.9 Milk Tea (M) (1 to 8 September) |
The Shirt Bar | Offering a 10% discount for all t-shirts in shades of blue (Whole of September) |
Mt. Sapola | Conducting aromatherapy workshop at BTL Fest |
Dunkin’ Donut | Offering 1 for 1 promotion when patrons tag BTL and Dunkin’ Donut socials (Whole of September) |
Kantin Jewel | Introducing a new item on the menu, known as Blue Skies, that supports BTL’s celebration of mental wellness |
Catering Solutions | Sponsorship of staff and volunteer meals |
Workshop Name | Description |
An Artful Path to Self-Care: Canvas of Wellness | Join us for a self-care collage workshop where you will experience the therapeutic benefits of collage-making to enhance your well-being. Through mindfulness exercises and creative expression, you will create a personalised collage that reflects your self-care journey. No artistic skills are required – just a willingness to explore and embrace the process in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Elevate your self-care routine and take home a meaningful reminder of your commitment to nurture yourself! |
Mental Wellness with Aromatherapy | Join us for a relaxing time by engaging your senses and emotions. Discover the power of aromatherapy and how scent can positively influence mood and resilience. Create your own personalised perfume roller using essential oils, perfect for carrying with you throughout the day. Start your journey to a holistic improvement of your well-being now. |
Cajon Workshop: Music As Your Superpower Destress Tool | Join us for a Cajon workshop where you will discover how
music can be a great stress-management tool. Integrate
the therapeutic benefits of music into your daily routine to
unwind and uplift your mood. Through learning Cajon
techniques and popular rhythms and patterns, learn how
playing music actively clears brain fog and enhances
mental wellness, making it an essential part of your holistic
well-being toolkit. Harmonise your life with the
transformative power of music! |
Beyond the Surface: Understanding Youth Mental Health Challenges | Calling all parents and caregivers looking to deepen
connections with your children! Join us for an enlightening
journey at our Experiential Human Library Workshop,
where you will borrow “books” featuring youth mental
health perspectives. Explore the challenges faced by
young people like Charlie, navigating mental health
journeys. Engage in conversations to broaden your
understanding on mental health, and conclude the session
with a creative card-making activity, crafting heartfelt
messages that strengthen your bond and communication
skills with your children.
|
Annex E - Panel Dialogue on Building Psychologically Safe Workplace
A panel dialogue featuring inclusive employers, a social service agency, and an individual with lived experience was also held at BTL Fest 2024, providing attendees with insights into building psychological safety in the workplace.
Moderator | |
Frank Ng, co-lead of Beyond the Label (BTL) Collective Workplace Workgroup | Frank is a growth practitioner, instructor, consultant, and speaker. He leads the Commercial function at Intellect, building the business to be the most trusted voice in the mental health industry across Asia Pacific. Prior to Intellect, he has worked in a range of regional and global roles across Reckitt, Uber, and the Singapore government. He is passionate about making mental health in Singapore and beyond accessible, relatable, and stigma-free. |
Panelists | |
Goh Zhengqin, Deputy Head of NUS Health and Well-being | As Deputy Head, Zhengqin provides leadership to the
clinical teams, and creates partnerships and initiatives
that enhance the wellbeing of the NUS community. A
Clinical Psychologist with forensic experience from the
Institute of Mental Health and previous Head of
Counselling at Yale-NUS College, he now serves at his
alma mater. In his free time, he enjoys family, pets,
acoustic guitar, reading, skipping and inline skating.
|
Tay Suyin, Assistant Director, Bettr Academy, Bettr Group | Suyin Tay is the Assistant Director at Bettr Academy,
part of the Bettr Group, Southeast Asia’s first B-corp,
focused on transforming lives through coffee and
advocating for sustainable practices and quality
education. With a decade of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, she has served as a curriculum design
consultant for Generation and is an award-winning
educator in Singapore. Recognised as an Obama Asia
Pacific Leaser, Suyin is also a certified Six Seconds EQ
Master Trainer and leads EQ curriculum and strategies
at Bettr.
|
Tan Jui Wei, Team Leader, Senior Rehabilitation Counsellor, SACS IES | Jui Wei is a Senior Rehabilitation Counsellor at Integrated Employment Services, where she helps individuals with mental health conditions reintegrate into society through employment support and psychiatric rehabilitative counselling. With 9 years in social service and education, she has also worked in family reunification and supporting students with special needs. She is dedicated to assisting those with mental health challenges towards community integration |
Bernadette Loh, Advocate in Law and Mental Health, Resilience Collective volunteer | As a newly minted lawyer and an active volunteer with Resilience Collective, Bernadette aspires to be an advocate in more than one sense. Bernadette draws from her lived experiences with depression and ADHD in learning to be a more empathetic and effective peer supporter, alongside her wonderful friends in Resilience Collective |