Nourishing the mind, body, and soul was a simple yet ambitious goal of NHCS’ inaugural Mental Wellness Bazaar. With an array of meaningful booth activities and enlightening workshops for staff and patients, the event highlighted our commitment to health beyond healthcare.
Lee Rou Ci, Medical Social Worker (MSW), Medical Social Services (MSS) from the organising team shared, “The bazaar gave us an opportunity to connect and reach out to patients and staff in a light-hearted setting, to promote mental and spiritual wellbeing as an integral part of holistic health, that would otherwise be inaccessible," emphasising the unique contribution of the bazaar to holistic health initiatives.
Heartfelt conversations and connections
A key highlight of the bazaar was the Kopi Chat booth which featured unique stories of our patients and their versions of a Good Life. Amongst them, our patient Mdm Chew Yoke Fong was there to check out the specially designed poster showcasing her health journey, "I found the bazaar very meaningful for patients and I hope my story can encourage others." Indeed, her presence underscored the bazaar’s impact in empowering individuals through shared experiences and communal support.
Mdm Chew Yoke Fong and her daughter with the specially made poster detailing her health journey.
Patients at the booth shared personal perspectives on living well despite cardiac challenges, turning conversations into new connections, creating a supportive network of informal encouragement, and understanding. Through these heartfelt exchanges, the Kopi Chat booth quickly became a hotspot with eager participants wanting to share their stories. In a shining moment of true "kampung spirit," resourceful MSWs rounded up extra tables and chairs, ensuring everyone had a place to sit and chat.
Participants shared their versions of a Good Life with each other at the Kopi Chat booth.
Uplifting the mind and soul
The bazaar was also abuzz with vendors that offered a vibrant spectrum of experiences to uplift the mind and soul. The book booth gave attendees a glimpse into stories of inspiring spiritual journeys while another offered personalised calligraphed affirmation postcards. At the booth by the Singapore Association for Mental Awareness, handcrafted bookmarks and crochet pouches added a touch of artisanal charm with purchases going towards supporting the talented makers behind them.
Vendors interacting with attendees at their booths.
Booths at the bazaar showcasing books and handmade goods.
Attendees also indulged in coffee and acai bowls in between browsing.
Drawing full house for each session, the Nagomi art sessions and Mental Health x Music talks were standout successes as well. During the art sessions, participants immersed themselves in a new form of artistic expression. Guided by a Nagomi facilitator and accompanied by meditative music, they explored an art technique using paper stencils and pastels to create layered artworks. Despite starting with the same stencils, each participant brought unique interpretations to their creations.
Participants showcased creativity and personal expression in a therapeutic setting during the art sessions.
The music talks provided an enlightening exploration into music as a powerful form of expression and communication. Through playing the instruments, the speaker explained how music conveys emotions and creates space for personal feelings to be expressed. In response, participants clapped enthusiastically which fostered a deeper connection through the universal language of music.
Participants engaged in experiential learning by listening to music and sharing the imagery it evoked in their minds, each offering unique interpretations.
The success of NHCS’ first Mental Wellness Bazaar has sparked much excitement in our patients and staff and will be the first of many more opportunities to celebrate holistic health and well-being!
The Mental Wellness Bazaar is organised by MSS with support from Support Services and Corporate Development.
Friendly MSS staff at the registration booth, helping with registration as well as distributing lunch and goodie bags to participants.
Tags:
;
;
;
;
News Article;Internal;
;
National Heart Centre Singapore;
Article;
Stories from the Heart (NHCS);
;
;
;
;
Stories from the heart
