A charity has been launched to provide peer support to people struggling with mental health issues.
Resilience Collective (RC) is the first such body to provide a platform powered by those who have experienced similar issues, rather than just professionals.
It is supported by the Institute of Mental Health, National Council of Social Service and Agency for Integrated Care.
RC board member and executive director Goh Shuet-Li said yesterday (8 June) that it provides a platform where persons with mental health conditions and professionals can partner to develop recovery-focused solutions and where peers can find a network of support.
RC regards peers as equal partners with healthcare professionals, and uses their personal experiences as a resource when creating programmes and initiatives.
Shuet-Li added that attendees welcome the safe space to share and explore their own conditions without judgment. Knowing there are others who have been on the same path provided encouragement and hope.
Ms Susan Ong, 40, who used to struggle with major depressive disorder and anxiety, is now a peer support specialist with RC, which she joined at the start of the year.
She noted that RC aptly provides a rich pool of shared knowledge, resources and perspectives in a safe, friendly and encouraging manner.
Read more here.
Source: The Straits Times, 9 June 2019