Bringing Neighbours Together

Bringing neighbours together

For close to two decades, senior couples Mr Yacob and Mdm Samyiah, and Mr Sasi and Mdm Vijaya, lived just one floor apart at Yishun Block 148 – yet they had never crossed paths. That changed when they attended a block party organised by TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162, an Active Ageing Centre (AAC) under TOUCH. What began as a simple block party at the void deck grew into a warm and unexpected friendship between both couples. 

Caption: Meeting up at a block party early this year

Neighbours caring for neighbours

Thanks to the Caring Neighbours Programme – a new community initiative introduced by TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 and supported by CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group – many seniors have befriended their neighbours through block parties and group activities. The programme aims to nurture a neighbour-for-neighbour environment where residents look out for one another in practical, everyday ways.

Anchored in the “ABC” approach — Aware, Be friendly and Care — TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 has organised four block parties this year, reaching some 300 seniors, including those who are less socially engaged and who do not attend AAC activities. There are plans to host more block parties in 2026. 

Caption: Ms Denise Liew from TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 facilitating a game session at a block party 

Caption: Through the Caring Neighbours Programme, TOUCH hopes that more seniors can step up to be a resource in the community, to further strengthen the social network for vulnerable seniors.

“We want to make it easy for seniors to reach out,” shares Mr Andy Ang, Head, TOUCH Active Ageing. “By using familiar community spaces like void decks and coffeeshops, we empower seniors to become connectors and activators. Simple actions, such as inviting a friend for kopi, referring someone in need, or attending activities together, can go a long way.”

Under this programme, seniors were also guided by TOUCH’s family counsellors, who shared practical tips on expressing love, offering apologies, and showing appreciation.

Breaking the ice

“We do not know many of our neighbours here because they tend to keep their doors closed. Some feel shy or are afraid of saying hello for fear of rejection. My wife and I speak mainly Malay, so it’s harder for us to approach our neighbours. This is why I am so happy there is this opportunity for us to gather right where we live to bond over food and activities,” shares Mr Yaccob, 76. He was especially delighted to discover that his neighbour, Mr Sasi, could converse in Malay fluently and was comfortable sharing about his health.

“My wife and I only know our immediate neighbours. Sometimes, people may think you’re a busybody if you try to talk to them. Holding a block party is a good idea as it gives people a chance to meet in a meaningful way and to interact with one another,” shares Mr Sasi, 68, who now attends exercise sessions at TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162. 

Caption: Mr Yacob (left) helping Mr Sasi who has mobility issues

Finding common interests

Mdm Vijaya, who worked in retail for many years, naturally enjoys meeting people. She clicked instantly with Mdm Samyiah over shared interests, especially baking.

Caption: Mdm Samyiah and Mdm Vijaya (left) enjoying fun moments together

Caption: One of Mdm Samyiah’s delightful cake creations

“This programme brings happiness,” she says with a bright smile. “I’m the kind who likes to initiate and explore new things. Samyiah is an amazing lady who bakes well. I am so impressed by her cake creations. I told her we’d go to her home to help her the next time she has cake orders. There’s so much to learn from her!”

“When TOUCH knocked at our door to invite us to the block party, we didn’t know what to expect. But meeting our neighbours, Yacob and Samyiah, was a pleasant surprise. We get along well because we are of the same age group. Our families live further away, so neighbours become our first line of help,” says Mdm Vijaya, who adds that she has forged a warm, sisterly friendship with Mdm Samyiah.

Taking on the Caring Neighbours Challenge, both couples decided to meet at the coffeeshop to chit chat regularly. During Deepavali, Mdm Vijaya cooked her favourite dishes and brought them to her new friends’ home, a gesture that deeply touched them.

Caption: At the Caring Neighbours Recognition Event in December 2025, 65 seniors enjoyed activities and lunch with the support from CapitaLand staff volunteers

“When I travelled back to India for a while, I could see that Samiyah missed me. She asked me candidly, ‘Where have you been?’” quips Mdm Vijaya.

Looking ahead, the couples are excited to explore karaoke sessions, organise potluck meals, and even take a trip to Batam together. “We have so many fun things to look forward to!” she adds.

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TOUCH runs five Active Ageing Centres (AACs) located in Ang Mo Kio, Geylang Bahru, Wellington and Yishun. AACs serve all seniors living within the neighbourhood, and act as a go-to-point to receive timely access to quality care. Our AACs are supported by TOUCH’s trans-disciplinary team of eldercare specialists, leveraging community resources to achieve long-term wellness to prevent and delay frailty, and to help seniors age well in the community.

Story published in 2025.