Community Involvement
Project Connect with Orange Valley
September 2020 - October 2020
Assistant In-Charge
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Planned and executed a 4-week online programme to engage the elderly staying at Orange Valley Nursing Home and to empower volunteers to connect and build meaningful relationships with the elderly community.
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Facilitated the sessions by leading volunteers and elderly in games as well as simple exercises, while encouraging interactions between them.
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Project received an overwhelming response in the number of sign-ups and positive feedback from volunteers and staff of Orange Valley.
Delivering Care Packages to the elderly at Balestier Branch of Orange Valley Nursing Home.
I have initiated and executed the preparation, distribution of care packages to the elderly, which involved volunteers in the process.
Picture taken with volunteers at the end of Session 1.
The first session was completed with positive feedback from volunteers that the event ran smoothly and was engaging.
Learning Takeaways & Skills Developed
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During the span of this project, there were instances where I had to make last-minute decisions and complete tasks within a short timeline. Being patient and level-headed helped me to work efficiently under pressure.
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In the planning phase, I have learnt to plan my time and divide the workload more effectively to meet the tight deadlines, honing my organisational skills.
IMHope
October 2019 - September 2020
Volunteer
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Weekly volunteering programme catered to residents from the Institute of Mental Health.
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Part of the planning team for Ward 53 to brainstorm activities each week.
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Led volunteers and residents in art & crafts, music sessions as well as celebration of festivities and birthdays.
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Facilitated interactions between the residents, befriending many of them through actively listening to their stories and building conversations.
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Residents look forward to the sessions and the programme was a good opportunity for them to learn how they can interact with people from the vast society.
Art and Craft Session.
This was the first time we carried out an Art & Craft session at Ward 53. The residents really enjoyed painting the flowers!
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Art and Craft Session.
The residents at Ward 53 had fun making reindeers with recycled materials for the upcoming Christmas. I've got to befriend a few residents in the making process.
Learning Takeaways & Skills Developed
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I have developed empathy and a greater understanding towards people with mental health impairments through listening to the residents' life stories and interactions with them.
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It was a rewarding experience where I realised how we (as volunteers) can play a part in their road to recovery and helping them re-integrate to society.
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I have learnt that my role was to befriend and not to enforce my presence on them. For residents who did not speak up, I have realised the importance of using non-verbal communication, such as eye contact and hand gestures, to help establish meaningful interactions with them.
Building Bridges
November 2019
Volunteer Befriender
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Created meaningful relationships with the elderly from Lion Befrienders Seniors Activity Centre over a 3-day programme.
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Actively listened to the elderly's stories and engage in conversations with them.
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Encouraged participation from the elderly in games and exercises.
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Programme ended with happy smiles from the seniors.
Documenting of senior's life story.
As part of Day 1's programme, I was paired with a senior to listen and pen down her life story.
Group Picture taken with elderly and volunteers on the last day.
It was a fruitful 3 days of befriending the elderly at Lion Befrienders. We ended with an art and craft session to decorate the photographs taken from the previous days.
The event concluded successfully on a happy note.
Learning Takeaways
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This is an inspiring experience where I have learnt to appreciate the simple things in life and to be grateful of the freedom our generation own.
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Empathy is a crucial component when working with the elderly.
Ice Breakers with the elderly.
On the first day, we played some simple games with the elderly and everyone had a fun time.
Project Ohana
July 2019
Operations Team
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A carnival organised in collaboration with Clementi Community Centre and Rotary Family Service Centre for families living at Clementi, with an aim to promote family bonding.
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Planning Stage:
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Worked together with the Operations Team to brainstorm activity ideas and conceptualised the flow of the event.
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Execution Day:
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Encouraged participation in the activities planned and built rapport (among the family I was escorting) by facilitating meaningful conversations with them.
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Received positive feedback from partners and beneficiaries on ​overall experience of the carnival.
Operations Team photo taken after a successful wrap-up of the carnival.
As a team, we worked together to conceptualise the plan for the carnival (at the preparation stage) and oversee the execution of the carnival (on actual day).
Learning Takeaways & Skills Developed
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I have built on my interpersonal and communication skills through working with teammates & beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds.
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With the ever-changing situation on the actual carnival day, I have realised the importance of being adaptable to any situation and not follow plans blindly.