Stories

Staying strong

Born with severe Bilateral Polio, Mdm Alimah, 63, is a wheelchair user. Despite her mobility constraints, she has found support in the community and has learnt to take charge of her health. Read about her story of hope and empowerment.

Friendly help

76-year-old Mdm Fong Kian Kye and 88-year-old Mdm Lee Hong Eng from TOUCH Senior Activity Centre are best friends. They never fail to keep a look out for each other. Find out how TOUCH helps to empower seniors to care for others.

Finding hope, regaining independence

Mr Leng Ah Tee. 69, was cycling home one day when he was knocked down by a vehicle two years ago. He felt helpless as he could not walk. Today, Mr Leng works as a cleaner at [email protected] 433. Find out how TOUCH and volunteers helped him on his long road to recovery.

Nonagenarian leads the way in staying healthy

Mr Chong Kum Yeok may be 93 years old but he is the oldest and fittest senior at TOUCH Senior Activity Centre (TSAC) at Yishun 162. Being physically fit, he is able to motivate and inspire other seniors to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Learning and serving together

The golden years can be a time of discovery and hope. Mr Chian and Mdm Teo grew closer as a couple after becoming actively involved with the work at TOUCH Senior Activity Centre at Yishun 162. They have many friends today and serve as volunteers to help other seniors.

Staying engaged digitally

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many seniors have embraced technology to stay engaged with friends and loved ones. 75-year old Mdm Boo Sai Kiao enjoys connecting with her friends, who have become more digitally savvy. The seniors can now confidently use their smart phones to exercise, discover new things and explore the use of apps in their daily living.

Neighbours doing good during Covid-19

Ang Mo Kio residents like 55-year-old Ms Jessie Teo have found creative ways to connect with elderly neighbours. Missing friends and activities at [email protected] 433, residents have rallied around one another to support the needs of vulnerable residents in their midst during these challenging times.

Helping kids shine

At TOUCH, we believe that young ones have the potential to be nurtured and sharpened like arrows to make a positive impact in society and to be future leaders in the community. Read about Dannii's transformative journey with the volunteers and staff from TOUCH Young Arrows.

Enjoying the outdoors

Mr Chua Seo Poh, 90, never imagined he would need help getting out of bed. Find out how TOUCH Home Care journeyed with him in helping him regain his mobility and independence. Even though he has been diagnosed with dementia, Mr Chua is able to continue doing the things he enjoys doing.

Feeling energised

Mdm Chew walks with a walking frame but that has not stopped her from learning how to dance. Read about her determination to stay well - physically and mentally - during this COVID pandemic.

The power of friendships

Just like us, seniors need to be socially connected. Find out how 80-year-old Mdm Han Kim Eng has moved beyond a recipient to a giver, in spreading kindness to her friends in her neighbourhood.

Ageing well in community

Having a network of friends makes a difference, especially when you are a senior and living alone. Read about how Mdm Sumam has learnt to build resilience in life with strong support from neighbours and friends.

Supporting the needs of caregivers

Caregiving need not be a lonely journey. There is help in the community to support the needs of caregivers. Read about how Mr KC Tan worked with TOUCH Home Care to help his mother, who suffers from dementia, to age well at home.

Exploring life and art – virtually

Seniors have found new ways to keep themselves occupied digitally. Other than going about their daily routine, some are starting to discover, together with family and friends, new found passions and hobbies. Read about how The Digital Arts Project by the National Arts Council has helped to add a dash of colour to the lives of these seniors.

Beating the odds

Diabetes may have robbed Mr Ho Ah Tat of two of his limbs but not his will to live independently. Be inspired as you read about Mr Ho's resilience and tenacity in overcoming insurmountable odds in life.

Living with dignity

It is common for seniors to feel anxious after going through a hip replacement surgery. The recovery process can be long and challenging. Find out how Mdm Song managed to regain her independence and quality of life with support from TOUCH and residents from Ang Mo Kio.

A pillar of support to vulnerable seniors

When frailty sets in, seniors will face challenges at home. TOUCH provides a continuum of care to support the needs of seniors. Find out how Healthcare Humanity Award (Honourable Mention) recipient Ms Yong Yin Hoong from TOUCH Senior Activity Centre in Geylang Bahru journeys with her seniors.

From Befriender to Befriendee

When Mr Ng Chin Lai became a befriender, he never thought he would one day be cared for by his befriender buddy, Mr James Tan. Read about their inspiring journey as good friends at TOUCH Senior Activity Centre in Geylang Bahru, and how their friendship has strengthened till this day.

Healthcare Humanity Awards

Four staff from TOUCH Community Services were recipients of the Healthcare Humanity Award (Intermediate and Long-Term Care category). The national award recognises outstanding and inspirational healthcare workers who have displayed altruism above and beyond their call of duty.

Empowering seniors to engage seniors

Mdm Hajjah was a caregiver for more than a decade. She did not have many friends then. After her husband passed on three years ago, she found a new lease of life when she joined TOUCH Senior Activity Centre at Yishun Blk 436. Since then, she has discovered a new hobby and spends her time teaching fellow seniors at the centre how to make beautiful craft items.

Fulfilling simple wishes in life

66-year-old Mr Chia is a simple man with a simple wish. He wants to continue living at home as long as possible. Find out how he is able to achieve small breakthroughs in life with support from TOUCH.

Elderly Group

Learning to become awesome grandparents!

Grandparents can learn how to engage their grandchildren in a fun and meaningful way, A group of residents from Ang Mo Kio did just that with help from TOUCH counsellors.

Elderly Group

A comfortable ride

Discover TOUCH's driver Mr Jaswan Bin Hasnan's passion in serving seniors as he ferries them for their medical appointments. The Medical Escort and Transport service is part of TOUCH Home Care's suite of eldercare services to meet the needs of vulnerable seniors.

My neighbours, my friends

When Ms Violet Yeo, an Ang Mo Kio resident, returned to Singapore after working abroad for many years, she felt alone. Find out how she was able to overcome her challenges, widen her social circle and help other seniors in her neighbourhood through TOUCH's Community Enablement Project or CEP.

Elderly Group

Connecting with seniors through storytelling and art

It was a meaningful time of reflection for TOUCH seniors as they bonded with youth volunteers, sharing their personal stories through artistic expressions and creative writing at the National Art Museum. Through Project Artisan, both youths and seniors took home precious lessons about life, love and resilience.

Overcoming frailty with community support

When ex-TOUCH Home Care client Mdm Chew Swee Lay, 74, turned up at the void deck for a strength training session by TOUCH. she was surprised to see other frail seniors exercising alongside able-bodied residents. Read on to find out how Mdm Chew was able to draw support from residents as part of TOUCH's community enablement efforts.

Life's Surprises

When Mdm Saravathy's husband passed on a few years ago, it left a void in her life. She did not have many friends and was depressed. Find out how TOUCH's Community Enablement Project help residents like Mdm Saravathy regain their purpose in life and empower them to support one another, as well as vulnerable seniors in their midst.

TOUCH Caregivers Support

Leaving the Comfort Zone for Our Seniors

Innovation is often overlooked and it can be hard to achieve, as it requires an individual to deviate from certain mindsets, to unlearn or relearn. But Kelvin Lee seems unfazed by this need to adapt and change his practices to address the current environment and needs of elder care.

A comforting help

Imagine struggling alone at home and losing your ability to function independently. That was what Louisa, 85, went through a few years ago. Find out how TOUCH Home Care helped her regain her independence and joy of living in the comfort and familiarity of her home.

My husband, my soulmate

Caregivers are our unsung heroes. They provide care and emotional support for their loved ones 24/7 . Read about Mdm Lily Tan's total devotion to her husband who suffers from dementia - and how she was able to find support from the community with help from TOUCH Caregivers Support.

Driven by kindness

Thanks to TOUCH's community enablement efforts in an Ang Mo Kio precinct, retired cabby Mr Chew Po Ngee,70, has found ways to spend his time meaningfully. Find out how he is able to engage fellow residents and help the frailer ones to keep fit.

Giving Back

Ms Jessie Teo, in her 50s, no longer uses an umbrella as a walking aid. Thanks to TOUCH's strength training sessions held at the void deck, her mobility gradually improved. Jessie now volunteers as a befriender to reach out to other frail seniors under TOUCH's Community Befriending Programme. Read more about her story.

Never too old to help others

Mdm Kok Yoon Hin may be 86 years old. But that has not stopped her from rolling up her sleeves to help other frail seniors. Mdm Kok is an active volunteer under TOUCH Senior Activity Centre's Seniors Caring for Seniors Programme. Read about her motivations, outlook of life and how she continues to inspire those around her.

Small steps, big rewards

Motivation is key to helping seniors improve their mobility. Find out how TOUCH Home Care client Mr Sam Stephen, 68, managed to overcome the odds after suffering a stroke. He is now able to come out of his home, mingle with residents and exercise together with them at a nearby void deck. Learn more about Sam's road to recovery.

Elderly Group

Getting Fit, Feeling Great, Ready to Serve

A group of residents - from the fit to those with mobility constraints - have been regularly taking part in strength training sessions organised by TOUCH Caregivers Support as part of its community enablement efforts. Find out how residents in this community have learnt to look after themselves, as well as others around them.

Love is all around

Mdm Aminah, 70, who lives in a one-room rental flat, has so many stories to tell. Tell her a joke and she bursts into laughter. Find out how volunteers, both young and old, add spark to Mdm Aminah's life in her golden years.

Elderly Group

Dancing to bring cheer

Age is no barrier when it comes to dancing. Find out how TOUCH Senior Activity Centre engages its seniors through dancing and how it can impact lives.

Finding Hope

Seniors like Mr Chan Siew Hock are able to age well at home with support from TOUCH's suite of eldercare services. Through TOUCH Senior Activity Centre's Seniors Caring for Seniors programme, many seniors have found hope and comfort.

Elderly Group

Lending support to fellow seniors

At 79, Mdm Chan Woon Chee enjoys befriending other frail seniors. Find out how seniors like Mdm Chan from TOUCH Senior Activity Centre at Geylang Bahru spend their golden years doing the things they enjoy and impacting the lives of others.

Transforming homes

Find out how a group of dedicated volunteers from the Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd transformed the homes of two TOUCH Home Care clients. The end result: a safer and more conducive living environment for our seniors.

TOUCH Ubi Hostel

Coaching with Love

In a gentle but firm tone, 53-year-old Nasril Saat patiently explains to a flustered middle-aged man with intellectual disabilities why the behavior he displayed was wrong. The middle-aged man visibly calms down.

A fun way to engage seniors

Good news for volunteers! They can now use the newly launched Conversation Starter Kit to connect with seniors. The Kit aims to bridge gaps between the elderly and younger Singaporeans through meaningful conversations about Singapore.

TOUCH Adoption

Finally Home

"As the paperwork neared completion, the birth mother's grief became apparent... my tears just rolled and I wept uncontrollably."

TOUCH Silent Club

Paving The Way For The Deaf

TOUCH Silent Club's (TSC) Community Outreach Executive, Charlene Wong, won the hearts of Singaporeans when the National Council of Social Service introduced her as one of the ambassadors of disability awareness campaign, "See the True Me". Find out more about her TOUCH story here!

Elderly Group

Best Friends Forever!

When Mdm Tan Siok Cheng bought some kuehs from Mdm Tan Joo Lan more than a decade ago, she did not expect they would one day become best pals. Despite being 101 years old, Mdm Tan Joo Lan prefers to be self-reliant and independent. Read about their strong friendship and how TOUCH Caregivers Support is able to support their needs.

TOUCH Centre for Independent Living

Extending Her Special Touch

Charmaine Ong, 27, is a Lifeskills Coach at TOUCH Centre for Independent Living (TCIL). Prior to joining TOUCH, she volunteered at a Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Centre for children for three days. At the end of the trip, her compassion for people with special needs grew and she knew that she needed to do more to help empower them.

TOUCH Family Enablement

From Science to Social Work

Goh Fong Yin is a Senior Social Worker at TOUCH Family Enablement. When she was in her schooling years, she would always involve herself in volunteer work, and always found joy in doing so.

Elderly Group

Feeling loved and cared for

Despite being almost blind, Mdm Tan Ah Kim, 87, is able to navigate her way to TOUCH Senior Activity Centre (TSAC) located downstairs by relying on the shadowy outlines of her surroundings. Mdm Tan has weathered adversities in life, including depression, and is grateful to TOUCH and her friends at TSAC for their friendship and support.

Steely love overcomes the odds

Mr Loh Yew Kim, 77, suffers from osteoarthritis which causes pain each time he walks. His unbreakable spirit has seen him through his role as the sole caregiver to his wife of 40 years as he cared for her at home, and when she had to be sent to a nursing home. Read more about his unwavering love and devotion to his beloved wife.

More help for seniors to age in place

TOUCH Cluster Support acts as a one-stop service point for seniors and their caregivers. Supported by a team of social workers, we work with service providers to recommend practical solutions, keep track of cases, and help seniors improve their quality of life by providing psychosocial support.

TOUCH Family Enablement

Helping Families Get Back On Their Feet

“I’m going to prison”, is something that the family and friends of 26-year-old Deborah Ng often hear her say. But they are never shocked or worried that Deborah may have committed a crime.

TOUCH Leadership & Mentoring

Guiding The Next Generation

What does parenting and mentoring youths have in common? Find out more from TOUCH Youth's Youth Coach, Shawn Tan, here!

TOUCH Caregivers Support

Love knows no limits

She weighs only 45kg yet she has been lifting her husband twice her size five times a day for more than two decades. Mdm Ong Siew Lay is the main caregiver to her husband, Mr Chia Yong Liang, who is a wheelchair user.

TOUCH Home Care

Feeling clean and safe at home

When Mr Patrick Tay, 57, had to move in to care for his 95-year-old mother Mdm Khoo Jew Kim four years ago, he felt anxious. After his mother's condition deteriorated further, he sought help from TOUCH Home Care (THC). He is happy and relieved that his mother is now in good hands.

Elderly Group

Befriendee-turned-befriender helps fellow residents

Mdm Jennifer Wong, 68, knows how it feels like to be struggling alone. After benefiting from TOUCH Home Care's Community Befriending Programme, she felt ready to serve other seniors. She recently became a befriender to the Yip sisters who live at the next block.

Enjoying their golden years with others

It’s nice to celebrate your birthday with your family – but nicer when you can also share these special moments with friends. Mr Mr Ho Yue Soh, 78, did just that this month at TOUCH Senior Activity Centre (Yishun).

TOUCH Home Care

Keeping Hunger at Bay

Mervyn Yip spent almost a decade as a warehouse supervisor, specialising in logistics planning and management. Today, he oversees TOUCH Home Care's Meals On Wheels programme and ensures that no client goes hungry. Read his story here!

Enjoying My Neighbourhood

Mr Ramakrishnan, 69, is someone who loves the outdoors and enjoys meeting people. In his younger days, he would run up to three times a week to stay fit. He would also frequent the coffeeshop downstairs to meet friends, relax at the park and buy groceries.

Youth Group

TOUCHBeat: A Passion for People

28-year-old Alva Huang may be young but her independent nature and desire to reach out to people has taken her to places less ventured, where she grasped the opportunity to touch the lives of many from various backgrounds.

TOUCH Caregivers Support

Getting out and rising to serve

Ang Mo Kio (AMK) resident Florence Tan, 59, walks on tip toes as one leg is shorter than the other due to polio. But that has not stopped her from diligently attending the strength training exercise sessions twice a week at the void deck of a neighbouring block.

TOUCH Young Arrows

Sowing into Lives of Children

Surrounded by a class of 15 children and eight volunteers, 30-year-old Chia Wen Jia exudes a sense of warmth and confidence as he patiently guides a young child with his Mathematics homework at one of TOUCH Young Arrows’ (TYA) 24 clubs.

Giving Hope To The Homeless

Widow hit by Typhoon Haiyan given new home. When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines on 8 November 2013, Mdm Taulagon was alone in the hut trembling with fear as the winds screamed around her.

Special Needs Group

Coming Full Circle

In 1993, Lai Cheng’s second child, Mei Yee was born and diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Lai Cheng and her husband spent time readjusting their lives and careers to provide the best support for their daughter.

Special Needs Group

Finding Hope In Life Again

Huiqun, 33, was born with intellectual disability and suffers from speech impairment. When her mother who was her primary caregiver succumbed to cancer in 2011, Huiqun’s 72-year-old father, Mr Tan Kian Song, a retiree, became her sole caregiver.

TOUCH Senior Activity Centre

Support Seniors To Age With Grace And Dignity

Mdm Wee Ah Bee is 73. She is a widow and childless. She lives in a one-room HDB rental flat. A few years ago, she cared for her elderly brother who was terminally ill. When he died, she battled depression and suicidal thoughts. She slowly recovered after patient support from staff and volunteers from TOUCH Senior Activity Centre (TSAC).

Back On Her Two Feet

In the year 2000, a fall left Mdm Chua Kwee Lan bedbound and traumatised. The then 33-year-old Mdm Chua was terrified and refused to leave her bed even for routine tasks such as showering or taking meals. Her phobia of falling again would leave her bedridden for the next 14 years.

Elderly Group

Strengthened To Step Out

Dear Friends of TOUCH, my name is Ngee Khiam and I am 61 years old. I am a client of TOUCH Home Care, a service of TOUCH Community Services, and a beneficiary of your generous donations. This festive season, I would like to share my story to encourage the donors, volunteers and staff of TOUCH who have supported me.

Taking It One Step At A Time

Mr Lim The Leng suffered a stroke in 2012, leaving his muscles weakened on the left side of his body, affecting his ability to move around. When Mr Lim was discharged from the Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital in July 2016, doctors were concerned about his ability to care for himself as he was vulnerable to falls due to his weakened physical condition.

Youth Group

Developing Youths, Harnessing Potential

In the past, 15-year-old Jolene would feel nervous whenever she had to stand and speak in front of her class. Due to her lack of confidence, she also found it challenging to lead a group. Sometimes, she would feel lost and helpless not knowing what to say or how to respond to her team mates who have different personalities and opinions.

Youth Group

A Desire To Make A Difference Motivating And Mentoring The Next Generation

With more than seven years of volunteering experience with the TOUCH National Day Parade (NDP) Motivators, Michelle Chow has come a long way since she first started motivating parade goers at NDP in 2006.

TOUCH Home Care

Ageing Well At Home

Mr Goh Keng Char is 79. He lives alone in a one-room rental flat. Three years ago, he felt a persistent excruciating pain at his lower back and had to crawl out of his home to get help. He was admitted to a community hospital for seven weeks.

TOUCH Home Care

Living With Dignity

In his younger days, Mr Yeo Chong Suah was an energetic young man who learnt Wushu on his own by watching martial arts movies. He had many friends and led an active social life.

TOUCH Leadership & Mentoring

From Delinquent To Youth Mentor

26-year-old Chris Ang shares how mentoring helped him turn his life around from being a youth delinquent and how he wants to give back to the community by becoming a mentor himself.

TOUCH Cyber Wellness

Former Gamer Gains New Aspirations

14-year-old Andy Sng would spend hours gaming on weekdays and weekends at LAN shops, using up his pocket money on new games as his parents were away at work. Eventually, the excessive gaming took a toll on his academic performance as he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate in class.

TOUCH Young Arrows

Building Confidence And Positive Attitude

11-year-old Fateha lives with her parents, paternal grandparents, two younger sisters and an older cousin in a three-room flat. Most of the time, Fateha’s grandmother takes care of them as both her parents are busy at work to make ends meet.

TOUCH Young Arrows

Giving Back To The Community By Making A Difference

Today, Farhan is 18 years old and still loves the idea of being able to bring smiles to the faces of these children through his simple acts of service. Farhan joined TYA in Primary 5 when the TYA Hougang club was just opened in 2008.