Minister Alvin Tan launches practical guide to help establish community-based mental health support initiatives.
On November 16, 2024, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan unveiled a new guide designed to help groups set up “well-being circles” for mental health support in their communities. The guide, available on the SG Mental Well-Being Network’s LinkedIn page, provides best practices and insights from existing circles to assist those interested in creating these support systems.
The initiative aims to reduce mental health stigma, raise awareness, and empower individuals to offer effective peer support. Tan emphasized that the guide is a practical tool for communities across Singapore, making it easier for them to establish these well-being circles.
The well-being circles are a crucial part of the SG Mental Well-Being Network, which connects citizens with mental health advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and other community groups. Since its launch in 2022, the network has facilitated peer support training for over 600 individuals, benefiting more than 3,000 people. The circles are designed to meet the specific mental health needs of various communities, including youth-focused initiatives and programs aimed at supporting elderly individuals, such as the Yuhua area circle.
Tan further highlighted that mental health remains a critical issue for the government, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, and that efforts like these aim to build stronger resilience and awareness among the public.
