Recognising the Journey of Caregiving

Caregiving is an act of quiet strength. It unfolds in tender moments when a parent gently tends to his or her child or a spouse sitting patiently by their partner’s side. For many, caregiving is a journey walked with love—and often, in solitude.

Over the past decade, this has started to change in Singapore. A community of support for caregivers has emerged, driven by dedicated individuals and compassionate organisations. At the heart of this transformation is Enabling Village—a community space where people of all abilities can come together to learn, play, work and grow. More than just a physical space, Enabling Village has become a catalyst for partnerships that empowers families and strengthens caregiving support. 

One such partnership is with CaringSG, a tenant of Enabling Village and a caregiver-led initiative that has championed the cause of special needs caregivers since its beginning. This year marks a significant milestone as CaringSG celebrates its fifth anniversary. From the beginning, CaringSG has played a key role in the Enabling Village ecosystem, leveraging Enabling Village’s inclusive environment and resources to organise numerous events that have become pillars of support for caregivers. 

As an ecosystem, CaringSG offers three programmes:

• CAREbuddy pairs trained caregiving volunteers with other caregivers for support
• CAREconnect provides emotional support, connections and resources through webinar and events
• CAREwell connects caregivers with trained professionals to create a family support plan

The CARECarnival and Family Day events have served as platforms for caregivers to access resources, share experiences, and build a sense of community. These gatherings have featured a range of activities, including workshops on mental wellness, financial planning, and career coaching, all aimed at empowering caregivers in the many roles they take on.

Beyond these events, a broader range of caregiver support programmes take place regularly across Enabling Village. These programmes are hosted at the Caregivers Pod, a multi-functional space for workshops, peer support sessions, and a restful spot to unwind and relax while the caregiver’s recipients are engaged in activities in Enabling Village. From APSN’s caregiver safety workshops to heartfelt conversations at SibsUnite sessions (support group for siblings of persons with special needs), these initiatives give caregivers more resources and platforms to connect with other caregivers, and get practical and emotional support.

 

Edwin reflects on the organisation’s journey:

“Enabling Village has been a place where CaringSG’s vision first came to life. Being here meant more than having a space — it meant allowing our caregivers to find a community. Through every CARECarnival, Family Day, and many caregiver events, Enabling Village has been the backdrop to moments of growth, connection, and healing for caregivers and families alike. We are grateful to call it home.”

These shared milestones highlight the profound impact of Enabling Village in nurturing a supportive environment for caregivers. The efforts of CaringSG and Enabling Village have not only brought respite but have also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and caring society.

 

Celebrating Impact: The Take-A-Break Programme

One key programme that supports caregivers is the Take-A-Break (TAB) programme, delivered by SPD and supported by SG Enable. Running since 2020, TAB offers a variety of services—including point-to-point escort for activities, help with loved ones’ personal care and daily living tasks, and social activities that promote interaction, companionship, and well-being. These services allow caregivers to take a break or run errands with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in good hands.

 

Alvin, Assistant Manager of Adult Services division at SPD, shares his views of the programme: 

“It is encouraging to see a growing interest in TAB, with an increasing demand and take-up for the service. More importantly, feedback from caregivers has been positive, with many feeling that they are more supported because of TAB. We are glad that SG Enable initiated this important initiative, and continue to support it in partnership with SPD.”

TAB offers solutions to handle the unpredictable nature of caregiving, and grants caregivers the adaptability to tailor their respite according to their unique circumstances. The programme fosters a sense of control and empowerment in caregivers, ensuring that respite care is woven into their lives when they need it the most.

 

Daniel Joshua, a caregiver who has benefited from the TAB programme, shares his journey:

“I’ve been a caregiver for the last seven years. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about patience, resilience, and how to adapt to his changing needs. Each day is a new experience.”

Daniel’s son, Japheth, was diagnosed with autism shortly after birth. The family faced many challenges, including limited access to therapy and support services. They were looking for a community that could offer a more supportive environment for Japheth’s development.

 

“The environment at Enabling Village is thoughtfully designed to embrace Japheth’s curiosity. Here, my son and I feel a profound sense of comfort and belonging. It goes beyond just the essential features like ramps and lifts—though those are indeed crucial! It’s the warm, inviting atmosphere that surrounds us. The community buzzes with life, making it feel like a home where everyone is welcome and valued,“ Daniel adds. 

“Japheth also has his regular dental check-up at the Mount Alvernia Dental Clinic here at Enabling Village. Its soothing atmosphere and the attentive care provided by the staff make our visits both beneficial and pleasant.”

Daniel’s journey is a prime example of how Enabling Village brings together partners to strengthen caregiver support. When Daniel was facing challenges as a caregiver, he was connected with CaringSG through the CareWell programme — a vital link that led him to SPD’s Take-A-Break (TAB) programme. This connection marked a turning point for his family. Through the Enabling Village ecosystem, Daniel gained access to coordinated support from multiple partners, illustrating how collaborative networks can make a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and their loved ones.

 

“The support from TAB has had a significant positive impact on both my physical and mental well-being. Physically, being able to take a break and trust that Japheth was in good hands gave me the chance to rest and recharge. I’m not going to lie—there were days when I felt completely drained, and just knowing that I could step back for a bit made a huge difference in my energy levels.”

In addition to getting some respite from caregiving, Daniel and Japheth have also benefitted from Play.Able, a programme that loans toys, resources and interactive books to families with children of special needs. As a member of Play.Able, Daniel receives invitations to activities such as movie screenings, family friendly events and learning programmes for caregivers, many of which are hosted at Enabling Village.

 

Looking Ahead: Transforming Caregiver Support

While caregivers focus on the daily demands of today, many carry the silent weight of tomorrow: “Who will care for my loved one when I no longer can?”

The upcoming Future Care Planning Resource Centre (FCP RC), located in the Enabling Village extension, addresses this concern head-on. Designed to provide clarity and guidance in future care planning, FCP RC offers:

• Professional consultations
• Legal, financial, and caregiving arrangement advice
• Resource navigation for caregivers and persons with disabilities

The Centre exists for every parent worrying about the unknown, every sibling or guardian striving to secure a future of independence and joy for someone they love, and every professional seeking better ways to support families in their journey. Through capability building, collaboration, and compassionate guidance, FCP RC strives to make future care planning a shared journey, not one that families have to face alone.

 

A Cornerstone of the Caregiving Community 

Through our collaborations with organisations like CaringSG and SPD, caregivers are finding the support they need to thrive. As we celebrate the milestones achieved and look ahead, caregiver support services continue to be the cornerstone of Enabling Village’s offerings.

For a decade, Enabling Village has been a place where possibilities grow and inclusion thrives. As we celebrate 10 years of building a more accessible Singapore, discover the voices, milestones, and everyday moments that have shaped our community – and be part of what comes next.

Explore the services and programmes available at Enabling Village here.