HEAL 29

HEAL

JUL - SEP 2020 ISSUE 29

President’s Address “So lose not heart nor fall into
despair: For ye must gain
“The wound is the place where Light enters you”
– Jalaluddin Rumi mastery if ye are true in Faith.”
Quran 3:139
The world today is sharing a common ‘wound’
that is COVID 19. Over the space of months, many About Club HEAL
countries have suffered incredible losses of lives
and means of living. In the fight, physical Club HEAL is a charity that promotes the healing
distance measures are put in place in many and recovery of people with mental health
countries including Singapore. As a result, people challenges by inspiring Hope, Empowering lives,
are no longer able to enjoy the things that they fostering Acceptance and spreading Love. It has a
used to take for granted like going out for a meal, vision of a stigma-free society that is conducive
catching a movie or attending congregational for healing and recovery. Services provided by
prayers with family and friends. Club HEAL include day rehabilitative services,
home visits, public education, support groups and
How we respond to this major challenge will volunteer training and counselling.
greatly impact us – with hope or with despair.
Office opens from 9am to 5pm on weekdays
I choose hope.
6899 3463
There are many silver linings to COVID-19: the air
is getting cleaner; households are coming 254 Bukit Batok East Ave 4 #01-229
together; new skills are being learnt; certain Singapore 650254
businesses dealing with vice are going bankrupt;
and there is a lot of soul-searching going on, [email protected]
making people more spiritual and bringing them
closer to God. www.clubheal.org.sg

This is the time where we learn to develop the @Club-HEAL @ClubHEAL_SG
wonderful shield that is self-restraint and
patience.

This is the time where we express our gratitude
for all the simple things in life which we used to
have aplenty and continue to have in smaller
measures, such as the early morning sun and the
coolness of the night.

In this special edition of HEAL, we feature the
experience of COVID-19 through the lenses of
various Club HEALers.

Registration No: T12SS0028K

A Young Man’s Thoughts
on Covid 19

BY YOHANNA ABDULLAH

Kasyful Ikhlash Bin Abdullah, 31, is currently “Now, I am going to list how CB has affected me,”
attending counselling at Club HEAL. He has he said.
schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD). Here, he shares some thoughts on the Family - Not so much of an issue, things are as
Covid-19 pandemic. normal.
Ramadhan - There are days I am fasting but
Said this discerning young man, “At first, I did not there are days I am not. I fast only when I am
think much about the coronavirus – it was totally well.
not in my list of important things until it became Activities - I am mostly busy with watching
wide-spread, affecting many people. With the YouTube, and checking out and updating my
enforcement of the Circuit Breaker (CB) in social media, but there are also times when I go
Singapore, it personally became bothersome out for cycling and shopping for food.
because it affects multiple services such as New pursuits - My new pursuits are making new
banking, deliveries, online purchases, internet friends online, taking selfies, doing short videos
performance and so on. The CB, in my opinion, is a to encourage my friends to stay sane, and doing
double-edged sword. Its objective is safety and is a sketches to upload into my social media. I also
preventive measure to reduce the spread of cook and share the photos of the dishes,
infections, but it also causes stress on many e.g.chilli crab, with my friends.
occasions (due to loss of jobs or tense family Mental health conditions - My mental health
situations) and lead to a higher chance of people condition is mostly managed but there are
developing depression or other mental illnesses.” times I may be triggered and I become irritated
or over-think. So, I do more reflections and try
to view the bigger picture. Sometimes, I force
myself to take a break.
Closure of Club HEAL - I do not attend rehab so
I am not affected.  But I have counselling
sessions. Even in the CB, this is maintained over
the phone and I appreciate it.

In conclusion, what is his hope for the future in
these coming months and years, while struggling
to cope with Covid-19?

S  aid Kasyful, “It is to be strong and cool, stay safe
and seek help when needed. I want to expand my
network of friends, which includes existing and new
ones, embrace my new hobby, which is sketching,
and be inspired by positive people around the
world who are facing this pandemic together with
me.”

Creative Corner

Club HEAL’s 30-Day Creative
Challenge to express patience and
gratitude in times of a challenging
global pandemic

Every day, Club HEAL released a challenge in the
form of a prompt to inspire peers and supporters
of Club HEAL to create an artistic piece. Two
examples of our prompts are "Draw a map of your
heart and the things that have a place in it" and
"Write positive affirmations about yourself while
drawing a self portrait". Participants submitted
their work of art by tagging Club HEAL on their
social media account or sending it to their peer
support specialist in Club HEAL.

CLUB HEAL
Peer Project Series

Volunteering in Pandemic Times

By Yohanna Abdullah “Since the CB, I have not felt the least stressed as I
grab this chance to take care of my health through
Ustazah Laila Abu Hassan, 63, owner of PADA, an brisk-walking at the park or carpark for one hour,
Islamic educational centre, has been a volunteer at which I would otherwise not been able to do,
Club HEAL since it first opened its doors in 2012 at except on holidays. The most important thing is
Al-Khair Mosque. She taught Islam there once a that I put my time to good use and prepare for my
week, and now teaches at the Bukit Batok East classes and teach and share my knowledge with my
branch of Club HEAL. She said, “My role is a small children, relatives and students,” said Ustazah Laila.
one – to teach Islam here. But even though I attend
the centre once a week, I can feel that we are a Thus, all is not lost with the pandemic and for
family, sharing knowledge, stories, feelings and Muslims especially, this experience has brought
even food!” many closer to God. To sum up, these are the
positive outcomes as shared by Ustazah Laila:
She said, “We care for each other. So, during the
Circuit Breaker (CB) I always thought of the peers The Beautiful Effects of Covid-19 For Muslims
and asked Dr Radiah Salim if I could continue to
motivate and support them in these challenging 1)   We place our hope on Allah, appeal to Him and
days during the pandemic, via WhatsApp. They surrender ourselves to Him. So we are closer to
really need our moral support. I also personally Allah as we accept his Divine Decree.
contacted some peers and I can feel that they  
really need and miss the Club HEAL rehab sessions 2)      We realise that this world is a temporary
that they had been attending almost daily.” dwelling and we are travellers here. Wealth is not
going to help overcome the virus, and, when
With the extended CB, Ustazah Laila suggested afflicted with it, wealth has no meaning.
three ways that the peers can be supported:
3)    We value health more and start to take better
1.        continue providing them suitable activities care of our physical and spiritual health, pleasing
according to their abilities with their families Allah.
overseeing them;
4)      We have more time to do good deeds and to
2.        let volunteers visit at the doors of the peers interact with our families. The time we have is more
(while wearing a mask of course) and see them, ask meaningful than wealth.
about their welfare and give moral support or even
give food and financial aid to those who need it; 5)    We always think good of Allah for His tests and
and do not despair.

3.        interact live online  via Zoom and other apps 6)   Last but not least, Covid-19 has taught the world
(possibly with the help of family members). to look beyond race and religion in helping one
another and unite in finding solutions to end
As an Islamic teacher, the Covid-19 has drastically this pandemic.
changed the way she teaches and interacts with
her students. With all mosques and classes at Be a HEALing Friend
home and Islamic schools closed, Ustazah Laila
said that she has to make use of technology and "You see, the Mu’min in their mutual piety, love
teach online via videos and Zoom meetings, Webex and affection, are like a (single) body. When a
conferencing and Houseparty. She misses teaching part (of it) has a complaint, the whole body is
and counselling at Changi prison and wishes she united with it in wakefulness and fever.”  –
can still do personal counselling online with the (Bukhari and Muslim).
inmates. On the plus side, she has more “me time”
with her very hectic teaching schedule trimmed to As a member or a volunteer, you can contribute
just online ones. in a variety of ways, from assisting in Club HEAL
events to conducting rehabilitative activities! We
ZOOM-ing need people from all walks of life who can
in contribute their time and skills to fulfil our cause.
To become a member, please fill up the
Session! membership form available at our website (under
Resources section) and email it to us at
[email protected] or mail it to: Club HEAL, Blk
254, Bukit Batok East Ave 4, #01-299, Singapore
650254. We look forward to hearing from you!

And This Too Helping the children understand what the
Shall Pass pandemic meant and how it would affect their
lives was key to helping everyone get into the
By Yohanna Abdullah “new norms”. “Before we began Circuit Breaker, we
had a family meeting explaining to the kids the
For Feda Momani, senior counsellor at Club HEAL, rules of the Circuit breaker and reassuring them.
Covid-19 at first appeared to be the media creating We also made a list of rules and goals that we
unnecessary panic. “However,” she said, “as many wanted to achieve during this unprecedented
lost their lives, the reality of what was happening time so that we could stay in focus,” she added.
hit home. Walking around in Singapore, I felt the
tension and fear in the air. I was glad Singapore Feda recognises that routines and lives have been
was taking the necessary precautions to keep greatly affected for many people. “My thoughts are
everyone safe.” with all those who have lost their loved ones or
jobs, or are facing financial or relationship crises,
Feda reminds herself and others too, “that this too or are feeling burnt out, or just coping with the
shall pass.” “We may not have entire control over isolation. We have all been affected in different
the virus but the way we respond to the challenge ways. I hope that we can find comfort in knowing
is very crucial in determining our wellbeing. We everything is temporary and we will come out of
should take one day at a time and accept that it is this whirlwind better and stronger. I hope that we
ok to not feel ok.” find a vaccine soon and that life will become
stable again.”
Acknowledging our emotions and thoughts is key
to our wellbeing. “Talk about how you feel to There is always a silver lining in God’s plans. “If
your loved ones. We all need is a listening ear.” there is anything that this pandemic has taught
me, it is that life is precious and not to take
Feda, who started working in Club HEAL in 2019, anything for granted. It has also given us a chance
had worked as a psychological practitioner in the to bond with family and take a step back from the
United Kingdom before moving to Singapore eight mad rush of our previous routines.”
years ago. “Club Heal has a culture of continuous
learning so that we can keep striving to be better
practitioners. Learning never stops,” she enthused.

Clients’ resilience is inspiring

Club HEAL offers counselling sessions for those
suffering from mental health challenges and its
services falls under the ‘essential service’ category.
With the onset of the Circuit Breaker, her work
continued from home, as online counselling
became the best alternative to continue
supporting clients without posing a health risk.
Said Feda, “I am grateful that we are still able to
reach out to our clients. Checking in on them is
vital as the isolation of being at home and changes
in routines means that we all have a hard time
adjusting. However, my clients’ resilience has been
inspiring considering the vast changes happening
around us. Empowering them with coping
strategies is key to helping them ride this
pandemic.”

Married with two young children, Feda has had to
juggle her roles as counsellor to her Club HEAL
clients; a teacher to her young children who are
undergoing home-based-learning; and a mother
(and supplier of snacks around the clock).   Since
she was also trying to achieve her Ramadan goals
at the same time, the Circuit Breaker has been
undeniably challenging. “I try to do one thing at a
time and avoid multi-tasking, which is always more
stressful. I also lowered my expectations and tried
to find a realistic routine,” she said.

Self-care and staying active is key

to a healthy routine:

 

Create boundaries between work and personal

time – not always easy!

Lower personal stress levels - say ‘no’ more often

Exercise

Cook and bake

Keep a gratitude journal 

Read

Go for nature walks

Keep house clean and decluttered – get all

family members involved

Connect with friends/family online

Get adequate sleep

Get out of your pyjamas and make your bed Servicing Your Mental Health
every morning

Write a daily To Do list

Learn a new skill/hobby/language Human beings are like vehicles that need
Play boardgames with family members maintenance and fuel regularly, so that we can
Have movie nights function well. The changes due to Covid-19 have
Limit screen time – digital detox impacted all our lives. It is important to find coping
Limit watching news and social media updates strategies and create a list of all the things that you
Enrol in online courses can do to get through this time. If life feels challenging
Boost spirituality and you need assistance, please do not hesitate to
Create a spot in your home where you can relax, seek professional help. You can self-refer to Club HEAL
practise mindfulness or meditate
Listen to soothing music or recitation of the or other organisations that offer counselling.
Quran

Keep a rational mindset – challenge thoughts

that may be affecting your mood Patron in Chief
Mdm Halimah Yacob
Snapshots of Past Events
Patrons
1: Facebook Live with Huda Ali – 25 April 2020 Mr Zaqy Mohamad 
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam

2: HEALing Friends Training via Zoom – 2 May 2020 Hon Advisors
3. IG Live @ Yayasan Mendaki – 13 May 2020
4. Dr Radiah Salim On Air with CNA938 – 18 May 2020 Dr Joseph Leong Jern-Yi
Dr Habeebul Rahman
Dr Norhisham Main
Dr Sharifah Mariam Aljunied
Mr Ram Dubey

5. Hamidah Bahashwan on Mediacorp Suria Show - Hon Legal Counsel
"Kekal Sihat Sentiasa Cergas' Programme – 18 May 2020 Ms Roslina Baba

Upcoming Management Committee
Events President
Dr Radiah Salim
1.BBE Reopening and Book Vice-President
Launch of ‘Dari Kambuh Dr Zuraimi Mohd Dahlan
ke Sembuh' - 2 July 2020 Hon Treasurer
Ms Fauziah Mohd Hussein
2. World Mental Health Hon Asst Treasurer
Day Celebration and Book Mr Muhammad Fithri Daud
Launch –  (TBC) Hon Secretary
Ms Noorunnisa Ibrahim Kutty
Pledge Your Support Hon Asst Secretary
Ms Rohizan Talib
Do help people with mental health challenges receive the support they need.
Members
HOW TO GIVE? Interbank transfer - OCBC Current Account Ms Amarjit Kaur
Dr Bibi Jan Ayyub
Ms Deena Bajrai
Ms Eunice Olsen
Mr John Ho
Ms Nur Izzati Zainuddin
Ms Siti Aishah Jaafar
Ms Siti Hawa Sulaiman
Ms Siti Noor Baizura Rahmatullah
Ms Tazrinah Hussein

Online at www.giving.sg/club-heal 641372131001. Kindly email [email protected] Editorial Team
with your name, NRIC, address, date of transfer
Cheque (crossed & made payable to and gift amount. Chief Editor
'Club HEAL'). Mail to Club HEAL Head Ms Noorunnisa Ibrahim Kutty
Office - 254 Bukit Batok East Ave 4 Should you have any questions, or wish to make a
#01-229 Singapore 650254 deep and lasting contribution to Club HEAL, Editorial Team Members
through a major gift, please get in touch with Dr Radiah Salim
Fund Manager, Ms Marina Chong at Ms Sumaiyah Mohamed
[email protected] / +65 8488 5130 Ms Yohanna Abdullah

Designer
Ms Marina Chong