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A n g l i c A n S e r v i c e S e n g A g i n g T h e c o m m u n i T y

Singapore Anglican Community Services

(SACS) and St. Andrew’s Mission

Hospital (SAMH) held its annual joint

charity dinner at the Pan Pacific Singapore on

28 October 2016. The dinner was attended

by donors, partners, supporters as well as

board and committee members of SACS and

SAMH. Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social

and Family Development, graced the dinner as

Guest-of-Honour. A total of around $607,000

was raised that night and the proceeds will fund

SACS and SAMH’s growing range of services.

At the Charity Dinner, Bishop Rennis Ponniah,

President, SACS and SAMH, quoted James

Hudson Taylor, Christian Missionary to China,

“God’s work done in God’s way will never

lack God’s supply.” He gave thanks to God

and to our supporters for partnering SACS

and SAMH in our care mission, citing two

examples of support. First, the support from

the Lew Foundation, who pledged $4 million

towards the work of St. Andrew’s Nursing

Serving with love: Singapore Anglican community Services - St. Andrew’s mission hospital Joint charity Dinner

Hougang Care Centre (HCC) set up a booth to display works done by their clients. Mr. Anwar Shaikh (centre) and his daughter, Ms. Unaiza Shaikh (left), purchased a painting by a HCC client. Mr. John Tan (right), Programme Manager, Rehabilitation Programme Services, HCC, was grateful for the support.

Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH, shared with Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, about the new and upcoming services of SACS and SAMH.

Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, together with board members and management of SACS and SAMH as well as invited guests.

From left: Mr. Sim Gim Guan, CEO, National Council of Social Service; Mr. Andrew Goh, Vice-President, SAMH; Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; donors from the Lew Foundation - Mr. Freddie Lew, Mr. David Lew and Mr. Lew Chee Beng; Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development; Bishop Rennis Ponniah, President, SACS and SAMH; Mrs. Amir Ponniah, Donor; Mr. Anwar Shaikh, Donor; Ms. Unaiza Shaikh, Donor; Mr. Keith Chua, Vice-President, SACS; and Dr. Loh Yik Hin, CEO, St. Andrew’s Community Hospital.

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Opening dance performance by staff of SANH (Buangkok).

Bishop Rennis further shared the example of the support of another generous donor, Mr.

Anwar Shaikh and his family. Mr. Anwar’s wife was admitted to St. Andrew’s Community

Hospital (SACH) Palliative Care Ward in September 2016 and she passed away not long

after. Despite their bereavement, Mr. Anwar and his family surprised SACH with a gift of

$105,000, in appreciation for the care that was shown to his wife and their family during

Mrs. Anwar’s last days and as an encouragement for the hospital to continue our steadfast

delivery of care. Mr. Anwar and his family have also since become active volunteers at

SACH, contributing to holistic patient care by befriending the elderly patients, particularly

A stirring finale performance led by SACS and SAMH Management, accompanied on the piano by Ms. Charity Chu, Senior Manager, Day Rehabilitation Centre, SACH. The first song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was dedicated to all persons with mental health issues, and to SACS Psychiatric Services, which celebrates its 30th year of service in 2016. The second song, the SACS-SAMH Anthem, “Here I Am, Lord”, got the audience singing together with much gusto.

From left: Mr. Dennis Ang, CEO, SAAC; Dr. Loh Yik Hin, CEO, SACH; Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Steven Ting, Head, Psychiatric Services, SACS; and Mr. James Chan, Director, Hougang Care Centre.

An enchanting musical performance by the award-winning Hildan Handbell Ensemble from St. Hilda’s Secondary School, who partners SACS and SAMH in community engagement projects.

Members from the St. Andrew’s Alumni Band gave a rousing musical performance of popular jazz tunes.

An energetic dance performance by students and clients of SAAC, accompanied by their teachers and coaches, got the audience clapping and cheering from their seats!

A moving song performance, entitled “You Are Not Alone” by staff of SANH (Buangkok). Song lyrics were written by Ms. Tina Hung, Deputy CEO and Group Director, Service Planning and Development, National Council of Social Service; and music composed by staff of SANH (Buangkok).

The Lew Foundation pledged $4 million in aid of the work of St. Andrew’s Nursing Homes in Buangkok, Henderson and Queenstown. In addition, the Foundation also extended its support for St. Andrew’s Autism Centre’s Adult Disability Home at Sengkang.

From left: Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; Bishop Rennis Ponniah, President, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development; and Mr. Freddie Lew, Lew Foundation.

Home (SANH) (Buangkok) and two upcoming nursing homes, SANH (Henderson) and

SANH (Queenstown). In line with its philanthropic objectives, the Lew Foundation also

committed its support for the upcoming Adult Disability Home which will be operated by

St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family

Development (MSF).

those with dementia.

In his address to the guests at the dinner, Guest-

of-Honour, Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, acknowledged

the relevance and partnership of SACS and SAMH’s

services in today’s context, where there is a pressing

need to provide quality care for seniors in an ageing

population, and build an inclusive society for persons

with special needs and mental health issues. He

shared about SACS and SAMH’s appointments by

the Ministry of Health (MOH) and MSF to operate

Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, gave an encouraging speech which emphasised the synergistic partnerships between SACS and SAMH, to benefit more people in need in the community.

new services – two new nursing homes at Henderson and Queenstown, an Adult Disability

Home for persons with autism, and a Sheltered Home for Persons in Mental Health

Recovery. SAMH will also operate a third nursing home at Dover Avenue, an initiative of St.

John’s - St. Margaret’s Church. “The way forward,” Mr. Tan said, “is collaboration.” He further

encouraged SACS and SAMH to forge partnerships with as many stakeholders as possible,

“because the collective strength is the sum of our individual parts,” he said.

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Official Opening of SACS Senior Centre (Floral Spring)On 26 November 2016, an official opening event was held at SACS Senior Centre

(Floral Spring) at Yishun. Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher

Education and Skills), Second Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament,

Sembawang GRC (Gambas), graced the event as its Guest-of-Honour.

The Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) Senior Centre (Golden

Orchid) at Jurong West was officially opened on 30 July 2016. Mr. Ang

Wei Neng, Member of Parliament, Jurong GRC and Advisor, Jurong GRC

Grassroots Organisations, graced the official opening as the Guest-of- Honour .

Official Opening of SACS Senior Centre (Golden Orchid)

updates on new and upcoming Services

Guests at the official opening event of SACS Senior Centre (Golden Orchid). From left: Ms. Alice Chin, Deputy Head, SACS Senior Services; Mr. Edward D’Silva, Member, SACS Board; Dr. Arthur Chern, Group Chief Executive Officer, SACS and St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital (SAMH); Mr. Keith Chua, Vice-President, SACS Board; The Ven. Wong Tak Meng, Member, SACS Board; Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Ang Wei Neng, Member of Parliament, Jurong GRC and Advisor, Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations; Ms. Winnie Chan, Head, SACS Senior Services; Mr. Eric Sim, Chairman, Jurong Central Zone A Residents’ Committee; Mr. Leong Poong Choon, Vice-Chairman, Jurong Central Zone A Residents’ Committee; Mr. Yap Thian Ling, Chairman, Jurong Green Community Club Management Committee; and Revd. Ang Soo Sung, Priest, Westside Anglican Church.

Dance performance by volunteers from SACS Senior Services.

Volunteers from SACS Senior Services provided support at the official opening of SACS Senior Centre (Golden Orchid).

Guests at the official opening event of SACS Senior Centre (Floral Spring).

From left: Ms. Winnie Chan, Head, SACS Senior Services; Revd. William Chee, Vicar, Yishun Christian Church (Anglican); Dr. Arthur Chern, Group Chief Executive Officer, SACS and SAMH; The Rt. Revd. Low Jee King, Assistant Bishop and Archdeacon of Singapore; Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills), Second Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament, Sembawang GRC (Gambas); Revd. Ng Hwee Leong, Priest, Yishun Christian Church (Anglican); Dr. Steven Lim Hoon Chin, Member, SACS Board; and Mr. Goh Peng Hong, Chairman, Gambas Citizens’ Consultative Committees.

Floral Spring’s residents did the Cha-cha.

Volunteers and residents put up a short skit about SACS Senior Centre (Floral Spring).

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St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital (SAMH), the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) signed the handing over certificate on 11 November 2016, to signify the formal handing and taking over of SANH (Henderson).

From left: Dr. Loh Yik Hin, Chief Operating Officer, SAMH; Mr. John Chan, Assistant Executive Director, SANH (Henderson); Mr. Hoon Tien Chaw, SLA; Ms. Ting Pei Jun, MOH; Mr. Cheong Xuan Yong, MOH; Mr. Chan Wah Tiong, Project Director, SAMH.

Updates on St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Henderson) St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (SANH) (Henderson) was formally taken over from the

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) in a simple signing ceremony on 14 November 2016.

The handing over signifies that SLA has deemed the facility at 303 Henderson Road

fit, safe and structurally sound to be run for its intended use as a nursing home. Staff

orientation and training has commenced and the team is preparing the Home to

receive its first batch of residents in February 2017.

Updates on St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Queenstown) SANH (Queenstown) received its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) on 6

December 2016. The facility at 11 Jalan Penjara (off Margaret Drive) will be handed

over by January 2017, and targeted to be operational in April 2017.

A light that Shines!

With a grateful heart, individuals

and centres under the Singapore

Anglican Community Services

(SACS) and St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital

(SAMH) received acknowledgement and

accolades from established bodies in

recognition of commendable performances

and work. We share the pride and joy of SACS

and SAMH here!

National Health IT Excellence Awards 2016The National Health Information Technology

(IT) Excellence Award is an annual

coveted award organised by the Ministry

of Health Holdings Pte Ltd (MOHH)

to recognise healthcare institutions

which achieve healthcare excellence

through IT. In May 2016, St. Andrew’s

Community Hospital (SACH), together with

Ang Mo Kio - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, Bright

Vision Hospital, Ren Ci Hospital, St. Luke’s

Hospital, IHiS and MOHH won the National

Health IT Excellence Award (Community

Hospitals Vertical Integration - Electronic

Medical Records Implementation) for the

shared patient management and administration

system. St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (SANH)

(Buangkok) also won the National Health IT

Excellence Award for its comprehensive cloud-

based IT system.

Ms. Teo Sok Yeong, Deputy Director, Group IT, SAMH and SACS, received the awards for SACH and SANH (Buangkok) from Mr. Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the National Health IT Summit on 20 May 2016.Photo courtesy of MOHH.

SANH (Queenstown) is targeted to be operational in April 2017.

SANH (Henderson) is targeted to be operational by February 2017.

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Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) Excellence AwardsAwarded by the AIC, the ILTC Excellence Awards recognise exemplary staff and excellent care practices in the areas of clinical care,

service quality, innovation, and productivity. We are delighted to share that a total of 28 staff from SACH received individual ILTC

Excellence Awards at the awards ceremony held on 28 September 2016. In addition, three teams from SACH and one team from SANH

(Buangkok) received team awards.

SACH and SCC staff received their awards from Guest-of-Honour, Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the ILTC Manpower Development Awards Ceremony on 25 August 2016.Photos courtesy of AIC.

Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) Manpower Development Awards 2016 At the Intermediate and Long-Term Care

(ILTC) Manpower Development Awards

2016 Ceremony, organised by the Agency for

Integrated Care (AIC), staff from SACH and

Simei Care Centre (SCC) were awarded the

Social and Health Manpower Development

Programme – ILTC. Heartiest congratulations

to Dr. Edward Goh, Consultant, Medical

Services, SACH; Dr. Kyi Theint Thient Thu,

Principal Staff Physician, Medical Services,

SACH; Ms. Vimoshini a/p Sundara Rajoo, Staff

Nurse, SACH; Ms. Ng Jingmei, Staff Nurse,

SACH and Ms. Rebecca Moh, Senior Manager,

Rehabilitation Services, SCC. Ms. Noor

Kesuma Binte Manap, Senior Patient Assistant,

Day Rehabilitation Centre, SACH was also

awarded the ILTC Upgrading Programme at

the ILTC Manpower Development Awards

2016 Ceremony.

A total of 28 individual awards, including two Gold Awards, 23 Silver Awards and 3 Good Suggestion Awards (Merit) were presented to SACH staff. Three teams from SACH also received a Clinical Quality Improvement Award (Winner), Clinical Quality Improvement Award (Merit), and Service Quality Improvement Award (Merit).

One team from SANH (Buangkok) won a Clinical Quality Improvement Award (Merit).

Photo courtesy of the AIC.

Ministry of Health Nurses’ Merit Award 2016 The Ministry of Health (MOH) Nurses’ Merit Award is awarded

to nurses who have demonstrated consistent and outstanding

performance for the past three years, participated in professional

development and have made contributions to promote the nursing

profession. On 19 July 2016, Ms. Lew Sow Peng, Senior Staff Nurse,

SACH received the recognition from Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of

State for Health, at its award ceremony.

“Seeing my patients recover is extremely rewarding, and motivates me to do even better,” Ms. Lew Sow Peng, Senior Staff Nurse, SACH, who received the MOH Nurses’ Merit Award 2016 from Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health (right). On her left is Ms. Tan Soh Chin, MOH Chief Nursing Officer.Photo courtesy of MOH.

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healthy minds, happy lives

“Healthy Minds, Happy Lives” was a

project embarked by the Singapore

Anglican Community Services

(SACS) Psychiatric Services to raise public

awareness on mental health issues and to stamp

out stigmatisation. The first “Healthy Minds,

Happy Lives” event, a collaboration between

Simei Care Centre, Changi Simei Community

Club and Changkat Changi Secondary School,

took place in Simei on 4 June 2016.

On 3 September 2016, Hougang Care Centre

collaborated with Ci Yuan Community Centre to

organise “Healthy Minds, Happy Lives”, for the

residents living in Hougang, in an effort to raise

public awareness on mental health issues and

the resources available in the community, if they

need assistance. The event was graced by Mr.

Darryl David, Member of Parliament, Ang Mo

Kio GRC.

Through the various exhibits and booths, the

residents had a better understanding of mental

health issues and the help resources available in

the community. They also had the opportunity to

Mr. Keith Chua, Vice-President, Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) (right), shared about the work of SACS with Mr. Darryl David, Member of Parliament, Ang Mo Kio GRC.

learn handicraft skills from members and volunteers of SACS

Psychiatric Services. Basic health checks and mental health

survey were available too.

The residents had a great time and enjoyed the various

performances put up by members and staff from SACS

Psychiatric Services, Ci Yuan Community Dance Group, and

students from Hougang Primary School, Hougang Secondary

School and Temasek Junior College. Mr. Julius Chan, a Peer

Specialist, shared about his journey of recovery and gave

tips on sustaining physical and mental health. A caregiver

also shared about the challenges faced in helping her loved

one with mental health issues and the help she received. She

encouraged other caregivers to seek help and support. In

driving home the message of community support, students

from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) East Campus

presented a skit on the importance of rendering support and

empathy for friends struggling with mental health issues.

Performance by members and staff of Singapore Anglican Community Services.

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“Healthy Minds, Happy Lives” kick-started at Jurong Spring with a group exercise.

Following the success of the “Healthy Minds, Happy

Lives” event on 3 September, Community Rehabilitation

and Support Services (CRSS) at Bukit Batok collaborated

with Jurong Spring Community Centre to hold another

round of “Healthy Minds, Happy Lives” for the residents of

Jurong Spring on 20 November 2016. Mr. Desmond Lee,

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National

Development, Deputy Leader of the House and Member of

Parliament, Jurong GRC; and over 20 community partners

and government agencies participated in the event.

Mr. Chan Meng Hui, one of Singapore’s oldest marathoners,

shared the importance of exercise in one’s maintenance of

a healthy mind and happy life at the event. Born in 1930,

Uncle Chan, as he is commonly known, almost lost himself

to excessive drinking and smoking. Fortunately, during his

visit to China in June 1979 at the age of 49, he caught a

glimpse of where his partying would lead him and decided to

re-prioritise his life. This eventually marked the beginning of

his passion for running at the age of 50, and his pursuit of a

happy, healthy lifestyle.

A big thank you to the volunteers who helped made

the “Healthy Minds, Happy Lives” events a success. We

were also blessed by many corporations who generously

sponsored items for the goodie bags and lucky draw prizes at

the events. The collaboration among different organisations

in our support systems was indeed meaningful in promoting

greater awareness on maintaining good health. As the saying

goes, “There is no health without mental health.”

The event offered basic heath check-up for all participants. Mr. Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Deputy Leader of the House and Member of Parliament, Jurong GRC (in white shirt), with the SACS Psychiatric Services team.

Members and staff of Singapore Anglican Community Services performed an energetic dance item at Jurong Spring.

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Mass Dance at the Community Day.

On 24 June 2016, 300 volunteers from Temasek

International joined hands with 300 clients and

caregivers from Singapore Anglican Community

Services (SACS) Psychiatric Services, to raise awareness

on mental health issues in Singapore. The Temasek

Community Day, organised by T-Touch, Temasek’s staff-

driven volunteer initiative, was held at the Singapore

Sports School.

The Community Day kicked off with an upbeat mass

dance, which pumped up the energy for everyone in the

hall. Exciting tele-matches were up next, where the clients,

caregivers and volunteers teamed up and went through the

stations together. Everyone had a great time of bonding.

After the matches, it was time for getting hands-on! A

myriad of activities, such as crafting soap, tote bags, and

musical instruments; and baking cupcakes, were all set

for the clients and caregivers to unleash their creativity.

Through the activities, the clients discovered talents they

never knew they had before, and this helped to build up

their self-confidence. Holding on to their masterpieces at

the end of each activity, the clients were all glowing with

pride and joy.

Apart from all the exciting activities, there were carnival

games and snack booths which lined up the hall, keeping

everyone actively engaged throughout the day. There was

not a moment that the clients or caregivers felt bored or

left out.

Temasek community Day with Singapore Anglican community Services Psychiatric Services

The highlight of the Temasek Community Day was the

finale activity, where all 600 clients, caregivers and

volunteers created a rainbow collage which formed the

word “Discover” - the theme for the Community Day. The

record-breaking collage, which made it into the Singapore

Book of Records, comprised 9,300 colourful post-it notes

and measured 11.4m by 4.5m.

Clients recovering from mental health issues usually do

not find it easy to participate in sport activities, due to

their illnesses. The Temasek Community Day was the

perfect opportunity for the clients to discover more about

themselves and to be actively engaged in different kinds

of activities, including sports. It was also a good time of

bonding and enjoyment for the clients and their caregivers,

as it may be challenging for the caregivers to bring the

clients out by themselves. A very big “Thank You” to

T-Touch, for giving the SACS Psychiatric Services’ clients a

wonderful and fun-filled day!

Event participants got together to create the record-breaking rainbow collage.

Volunteers and clients worked together to make musical instruments.

Clients engaged in the Tic-Tac-Toe Telematch.

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employment internship Programme

In April 2016, the National Council of

Social Service (NCSS) and Singapore

Anglican Community Services Integrated

Employment Services started the Employment

Internship Programme (EIP) which provides on-

the-job training for persons with mental health

issues (PMHI). EIP is designed to bridge the

existing gap between vocational training and

direct employment.

EIP provides an opportunity for PMHI to receive

onsite job coaching services. Employers are

encouraged to hire them as full-time employees

after they have completed the internship. EIP

also works with employers to design work

functions that capitalise the strengths of PMHI

and minimise stigmatisation at workplaces.

Since August 2016, EIP has successfully placed

30 PMHI in internship. Five trainees have since

been accepted as full time staff after their

internship.

Sustaining a JobJimmy was suffering from schizophrenia. Before

joining EIP, he switched jobs frequently for

years while battling his mental health issue. He

was recommended a few jobs but could sustain

none as the jobs required long working hours

and were physically demanding. Under EIP,

Jimmy was recommended for a deskbound job

with the RMA Group. Special arrangement was

made with the RMA Group for shorter working hours to help Jimmy

cope with the new challenges so that he will not feel overwhelmed

by the new working environment. Regular follow-ups were also done

to address Jimmy’s concerns. Jimmy was happy and satisfied as this

work arrangement allowed him to earn some allowance and also

spent time outside of work to play sports with his friends and family.

He felt less stressed in this job, as compared to his previous ones.

As he was able to cope with the workload better, his self-confidence

increased. Jimmy finally managed to find a job that he can cope with.

He is confident that he will be able to sustain the job for months or

even years to come.

managing Stress in the WorkplaceDue to depression, Jane found it hard to work with difficult bosses in

her previous jobs and was unable to sustain jobs due to the stressful

work environment. She was referred to EIP for employment support.

Under the EIP, regular dialogue sessions were held between Jane

and her employer to sort out any issues or misunderstandings. The

interventions relieved Jane of stressful feelings as misunderstandings

at her workplace were resolved. Jane’s employer also became more

aware of how to interact and communicate with her through the

dialogue sessions. With a stable routine and job, Jane is finally able

to regain confidence.

Clients going through the Employment Internship Programme, offered under the Singapore Anglican Community Services Integrated Employment Services.

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What is impossible with men, is Possible with god

It took six years for St. Andrew’s Senior

Care (JOY Connect) to become a reality

at Kampong Glam. In 2009, Rev. Foo Chee

Meng, Senior Chaplain, Singapore Anglican

Community Services (SACS) and St. Andrew’s

Mission Hospital (SAMH), who was the Vicar of

Holy Trinity Church then, first raised the thought

of St. Andrew’s Community Hospital providing

maintenance exercise sessions at PEACE-Connect

Cluster Operator, our sister organisation under the

Singapore Anglican Community Services, which

provides social services at Kampong Glam.

Over the years, as we trusted in God’s perfect

plan and timing, God paved the way, provided

the necessary resources and finally enabled JOY

Connect to start serving the Kampong Glam

community in February 2015.

Being “new faces” to the community then, it was no

easy feat reaching out to the residents. However,

we persevered on, remembering what Dr. Gordon

Keys Smith, SAMH Medical Officer in-charge from

1948 to 1960, wrote in 1987 - that we are to love

our patients, clients and family members, whoever

they are and whatever their response to our care,

so long as they are in need. They are not a means to

an end, and we are to love them for their own sake.

Hence, JOY Connect staff began to befriend the

residents at the void decks. We helped to read

Mr. Chua Eng Tze performing his cleaning duties at St. Andrew’s Senior Care (JOY Connect).

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their letters to them and changed the light bulbs in their

flats. Slowly but surely, the community in Kampong Glam

started to accept JOY Connect as part of them, and

begun to trust us as we cared for their needs.

Today, JOY Connect serves more than 200 clients per

month in the Beach Road area through our Day Care,

Dementia Day Care, Community Rehabilitation, Centre-

based Nursing, Integrated Home Care, Community Case

Management and the SAMH Clinic (Kampong Glam)

Services.

helping Seniors in the communityMr. Chua Eng Tze, 54 years old, suffered a traumatic head

injury while working as an odd job labourer. Concerned

that he will be depressed due to his inability to walk and

care for himself, his sister enrolled him in JOY Connect

Day Care programme in November 2015. Besides

participating actively in his therapy programme, Mr. Chua

helped to look out for the other seniors at the centre. He

readily helped to accompany older clients to move from

their seats to the dining areas and vice versa, and helped

to clean dining tables after lunch.

To help Mr. Chua achieve his goal of returning to work,

our therapists trained him to perform cleaning tasks.

Ms. Jacqueline Phang, JOY Connect’s Occupational

Therapist broke a cleaning task down into simple steps

to ensure that Mr. Chua would be able to remember the

steps involved. Eventually, Mr. Chua equipped himself

with the skills and knowledge required for the job of a

housekeeper.

Today, Mr. Chua has joined the SAMH family in serving

the community as JOY Connect’s part-time cleaner. He

cleans the windows and glass doors, wipes the tables,

vacuums the floor and clears out the rubbish bins. Mr.

Chua and his sister are very thankful to JOY Connect for

the care and training provided for him.

In addition to Mr. Chua, many families have benefited from

JOY Connect’s service. With their loved ones being taken

care of by JOY Connect in the daytime, family members

are able to have peace of mind at work. We thank God

that our clients, taken care of by our Community Case

Management Team, have been able to adhere to their

medications, avoiding the need to stay in acute care

hospitals and delaying early institutionalisation in nursing

homes. Through the SAMH Clinic (Kampong Glam), we

were also able to help seniors manage their acute and

chronic illnesses within a short distance from their home,

instead of them needing to travel to the polyclinic, which

they had to before the clinic service started.

Mr. Chua Eng Tze (first row, right), client turned part-time cleaner at JOY Connect, together with Mrs Mina Lim (first row, left), Deputy Director, Community Programmes, St. Andrew’s Community Hospital; and other colleagues.

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21 October 2016 marked SACS

Cluster Support (Jurong East)’s

(CSJE) first outing where seven

senior beneficiaries enjoyed a day out at the

Singapore Sports Museum and Singapore Sports

Hub Library, with a group of volunteers.

After a delicious and nutritious lunch, the group

set off for the outing. Along the way to the

Singapore Sports Museum, the enthusiastic

seniors sang their favourite songs that evoked

fond memories of the good old days.

The seniors had an enjoyable time viewing the

interesting exhibits, and took in a magnificent

top view of the Singapore National Stadium.

Throughout the tour, the volunteers and staff

attended to each and every senior, keeping them

meaningfully engaged, so that no one would feel

left out.

After much walking, it was time to replenish

energy with a tea break. The volunteers

A fun-filled outing for seniors at SAcS cluster Support

and seniors continued to catch up with one another over

conversations revolving around family, hobbies, housing,

and more.

The outing came to an end with the seniors requesting for

more of such outings in the future. It was an enjoyable and

special day for the seniors as most of them are socially isolated

or physically challenged and rarely have the opportunity to go

out. Mdm Toh, one of the seniors at the outing, commented,

“I am very happy. I have not been out for a long time. Today,

there are many friends with me on this outing. I love how we

even sang Hokkien songs along the way.”

CSJE engages vulnerable seniors living in the Jurong East and Bukit Batok areas, providing them case management service

to ensure that they continue to age in place and enjoy a reasonable quality of life for as long as possible. Please contact

CSJE at 6262 1183 or email je_info@sacs.org.sg for more information about the Cluster Support and available volunteering

opportunities.

Flora, CSJE volunteer and a senior got ready for a tour of the Singapore Sports Museum.

Linda, CSJE volunteer and a senior jointly designed a bookmark to celebrate Deepavali.

Volunteers and seniors had an enjoyable time at the Singapore National Stadium.

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meeting the legendary mickey mouse!

12 years old *Tommy is bedridden due to

illness and his childhood has been mostly

spent in hospitals; in particular, St. Andrew’s

Community Hospital (SACH). In July, when SACH and

the Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore discussed the

possibility of granting SACH paediatric patients their

wishes, the two organisations asked Tommy and his family

what they wished for. A few ideas surfaced, which finally

evolved into organising an in-house party for him, in

conjunction with Children’s Day.

On 7 October 2016, Tommy had his simple wish granted – a

special Children’s Day party, held in his honour, at the SACH

Paediatric Ward!

That day, SACH gathered Tommy and his family, other

paediatric patients, as well as some patients from the

Dementia Ward for the party. The young patients were all

dressed in their party-best outfits and waited with much

anticipation for the programme to start. The afternoon

started with a tea party for all present. This was followed

by a Magic Show, which wowed the audience. Next, thanks

to an arrangement made with Disney Singapore, Mickey

Mouse made a surprise appearance and brought the party

to its most high. Young and elderly patients, and even staff,

excitedly took photos with the celebrated character as it

went around shaking hands and giving hugs. Finally, the

patients were treated to a magical time of bubble show, as

they immersed in the fun of popping bubbles.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is still working with SACH to

grant more paediatric patients their wishes. SACH and its

patients are truly grateful for such collaboration.

*Our patient’s name was changed to respect his privacy.

caring for the intermediate medical needs of childrenCaring for children goes back to the roots of St. Andrew’s Mission

Hospital’s (SAMH) calling. SAMH was first founded in 1913, to care

for the vulnerable women and children of Singapore at that time. Over

the years, SAMH and St. Andrew’s Orthopaedic Hospital attended

to children with polio, bone tuberculosis and other illnesses. In 2007,

SACH became the only community hospital in Singapore with a

paediatric ward to provide intermediate rehabilitative and medical care

for young patients. Later, the Ministry of Social and Family Development

(MSF) gazetted the paediatric ward as a Place of Temporary Care and

Protection, so that the hospital could also provide rehabilitative, medical

and custodial care for young patients with disabilities and who are under

the MSF Child Protection Programme.

Abracadabra!” The Children’s Day Party started with an outstanding Magic Show.

Young and elderly patients, and even staff were excited to have a photo keepsake with the celebrated Mickey Mouse!

The Children’s Day Party “popped” to an end, after a splendid Bubble Show.

14

autism, we need to look beyond the autism to try to get to know and

understand them individually.

The real Person — looking Beyond AutismSo, who is Zhao Xiong then? His desire to look good goes beyond putting

up with haircuts so that he can look handsome. Hsu Li describes him as

“a vainpot who often insists on matching the colour of his outfits”. He is

also a connoisseur who loves baking. More so, he has an even greater

love of eating cookies, and takes pleasure in savouring a delicious plate

of chicken rice. He enjoys swimming and releases the dolphin inside

him, when in the pool.

Zhao Xiong is usually responsible, completing tasks that he is assigned

to do. His chores at home include changing all bed linen, setting and

clearing the dining table at mealtimes, and carrying the heaviest

grocery bags.

While it may sound like Zhao Xiong is one of the most compliant and

easy going person with autism around, it wasn’t always the case.

Diagnosed with autism at three years old after showing little eye

contact and displaying delayed speech development, Zhao Xiong and

his family had much to learn and overcome. Zhao Xiong’s parents had

to learn how to help him acquire the skills necessary for daily living,

including how to communicate and make friends. Little Zhao Xiong had

frequent meltdowns, throwing tantrums and violent outbursts that

tested his family’s wits and mettle. They persevered; encouraged by

the small but steady steady improvements over time.

living with Autism

When was the last time you had an

intense debate with yourself? For

some of us, it could have been as

recent as over lunch yesterday. We may have

battled with the thought of having a decadent

chocolate lava cake over the desire to not to

gain another centimetre around the waistline,

especially with Christmas and Chinese New Year

seasons just around the corner.

For Zhao Xiong, a 24-year-old young man with

moderate autism, his inner conflict becomes

visible to those around him when it’s time for

a haircut. While Zhao Xiong perceives the

experience of getting the haircut as a less-than-

pleasant one, he is conflicted because of his

desire to look good. Thankfully, his desire to

look his best often wins his inner debate and

the hairdresser faces little resistance. Once that

happens, everyone would, as his sister, Hsu Li,

puts it, “be informed of his nice, new haircut.”

Persons with autism typically face challenges

with communication, social interaction and

repetitive behaviour. They may seem to be aloof,

unresponsive, or even appear to be living in their

own worlds. It may be easy to assume that all

persons with autism prefer solitude to interacting

with others.

However, Hsu Li, who perhaps knows her brother

better than anyone else, describes Zhao Xiong as

a social butterfly at heart. “Behind his condition

lives a young man who would summon the

courage to interact and play with others, and

even comfort them when they are distressed,”

she adds.

Hsu Li’s description of her brother hammers

home the point that there is much more to

Zhao Xiong than the autism he has. And this is

true of each person with autism. Everyone is a

unique individual with unique personality traits.

In relating to and interacting with persons with

Zhao Xiong, 24 years old, attends the Day Activity Centre at St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, which prepares adults with moderate to severe autism to lead independent, dignified and meaningful lives in our community.

15

*Acknowledgement: This write-up would not have been possible without the courage and openness of Zhao Xiong’s family, in particular his sister, Hsu Li, and her husband, Ian, whose invaluable contribution helped present Zhao Xiong as he really is.

A coach guiding Zhao Xiong in his classwork at the Day Activity Centre.

Zhao Xiong and his family in their home kitchen. From left: Zhong Xiong’s brother-in-law, Ian; Zhao Xiong; and his mother.

Zhao Xiong enjoys baking! He does this often at home with his family.

Joining the Day Activity centre After studying in a special education school, Zhao

Xiong joined the Day Activity Centre (DAC) at

St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) in January 2011.

Hsu Li explains that the family had no hesitation in

enrolling him as “the DAC promised to deliver what

was sorely needed not only for Zhao Xiong, but his

peers as well.”

The DAC programme, which aims to prepare adults

with moderate to severe autism to lead independent,

dignified and meaningful lives, includes training

and support in the development of daily living,

recreational, vocational and community skills. The

programme, which runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm,

Mondays to Fridays, features Individual Service Plans,

with customised development goals for each client.

Zhao Xiong has progressed significantly in the five

years and 10 months that he has been with the DAC.

Today, he is in a pre-vocational class and his weekly

class routine includes activities such as cooking and

picking up skills useful in preparing food, performing

other work tasks, exploring music, swimming, and an

exercise programme. In contrast, he had required a

much higher level of support when he was first enrolled

into the DAC. His family clearly sees the change that

the DAC has made in him. His sister testifies, “Zhao

Xiong’s tantrums have been reduced to a rarity and

we can see that he now tries to maintain self-control

during stressful situations. With encouragement, he

is even able to verbalise what he wants in sentences.”

Hsu Li feels that the DAC’s strength lies not only

in its curriculum and physical environment, but in

the atmosphere created by its staff. She said, “The

coaches have created a system that accepts and

loves Zhao Xiong and his peers, and crucially, works with

the clients’ family members to provide a holistic and all-

rounded approach to the clients’ development.” She added

that the DAC has a wide-range of activities that provide

opportunities for Zhao Xiong to grow.

When asked what she hopes to see him achieve in future,

Hsu Li answered, “I see Zhao Xiong version 2021 as

someone who is motivated and with an explored passion for

baking and cooking. He will be able to make lifelong friends

and be more independent. Tantrums and meltdowns would

have been relegated to history, and beyond that, he will be

well loved by his family and friends.”

Today, Zhao Xiong still faces challenges when it comes

to interacting with members of the public. There may still

be some who may not understand autism and react with

ignorance when they see him. Nevertheless, the ones who

respond with compassion

and acceptance give Zhao

Xiong and his family the

encouragement that they

need to let him explore

the world outside his

home and the DAC — just

like everyone else would.

16

CONTACT USSingAPore AnglicAn communiTy ServiceS 10 Simei St 3, Singapore 529897 Tel: 6586 1064Website: www.sacs.org.sg

• Hougang Care Centre • Simei Care Centre • Community Rehabilitation and Support Service • Integrated Employment Services • SACS Cluster Operator (Jurong East) • PEACE Connect Cluster Operator • SACS Senior Centre (Golden Orchid) • SACS Senior Centre (Floral Spring) • SACS Family Care Centre • CITY Community Services • Mission to Seafarers

ANGAGE is an in-house publication of St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital and the Singapore Anglican Community Services. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the Corporate Communications Department, St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital. Designed and produced by Semco Design Communications Pte Ltd.

ST. AnDreW’S miSSion hoSPiTAl 8 Simei St 3, Singapore 529895 Tel: 6586 1000 Website: www.samh.org.sg • www.facebook.com/likeSACH

• St. Andrew’s Community Hospital • St. Andrew’s Autism Centre • St. Andrew’s Lifestreams • St. Andrew’s Nursing Home• St. Andrew’s Senior Care • St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital Clinic

Totes of hope that you can carry

With a mission to enrich the lives of

persons with autism, and to enable

them to live with dignity and meaning,

St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) has kept hopes

alive for families for more than 10 years.

Now for the first time, SAAC’s student’s and clients’

hopes take to the air through two canvas tote bags.

Part of SAAC’s Colours Project, the two bags,

entitled Windows to My World and Peaceful

Waves are now available through SilkAir’s SkyShop

on SilkAir flights and through the SkyShop website,

www.silkairdutyfree.com.

Lightweight, stylish, chic, comfortable and durable,

these totes bags feature designs adapted from

artworks by persons with moderate to severe

autism, and may be ideal as your everyday carry.

On sale now, until 28 February 2017!

A community of hopeThe Day Activity Centre (DAC) at St. Andrew’s

Autism Centre (SAAC) provides continued

training and support to adults with moderate to

severe autism, about half of whom are non-speech

communicators. To run a programme beneficial to

persons with moderate to severe autism is staff

intensive. We aim for a teaching staff to client ratio

of no more than one-to-three, with some clients at

times requiring even one-on-one attention.

To meet the cost of providing effective programmes

for adults with moderate to severe autism, SAAC

needs to raise about 60-70 cents out of every dollar

we spend. We depend on the generosity of donors,

both corporate and individual, to be able to continue

offering the DAC programme.

Journey with us by becoming a regular donor. Your

gift will help the DAC continue to support adults

with autism lead dignified and meaningful lives.

Visit SAAC’s website, bit.do/saac, to find out how

you can make a contribution.