A new $1 million fund, aimed at addressing mental health issues among young people here, will set aside a total of $100,000 for peer-run initiatives.
The Musim Mas BlueStar* Fund was launched on 18 July from the $1 million donation by palm oil company Musim Mas Holdings at the 12th Global Youth Leaders’ Summit, which was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Musim Mas Holdings is collaborating with philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust to provide grants to non-profit organisations, as well as the young people themselves to support programmes that help those who face mental health issues.
While details are still being ironed out, for now, the grant is aimed at catering to those aged between 10 and 16. Each project can receive up to $5,000.
Mr Lee said there is a greater urgency to provide support for mental health issues, citing a poll by National Youth Council of 1,500 people aged between 16 and 34 which showed that nearly half of the respondents felt their mental health was worsened amid the pandemic.
Aside from projects that tackle mental health issues, a portion of the fund will go to a separate grant for programmes run by non-profit organisations. A third portion will be used to support research, public awareness initiatives and intervention and educational programmes.
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Source: The Straits Times, 19 July 2020