Heal Newsletter 26

VOL. 26 | OCT - DEC 2019

HEAL

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS About Club HEAL

"Healing the Spirit" In this edition of HEAL, we read Club HEAL is a charity that
about the stories of clients who promotes the healing and
“Once, when I was in a very have derived strength and recovery of people with mental
emotional state, I just opened the purpose from their spirituality, health challenges by inspiring
Quran and I saw this verse – “God that have greatly aided in their Hope, Empowering lives,
has never forsaken me” – which recovery journeys. fostering Acceptance and
gave me hope. It’s a positive hope spreading Love. It has a vision of
from the Quran, which gave me the “How amazing is the affairs of a a stigma-free society that is
power to get up again in my life” – believer, everything turns out well conducive for healing and
Aneez Fathima for him! And that applies only to a recovery. Services provided by
believer. If happiness befalls him, Club HEAL include day
Spirituality has a central role in he gives thanks to God and it turns rehabilitative services, home
the healing and recovery of our out well for him, and if an ordeal visits, public education, support
peers.  befalls him, he shows endurance groups and volunteer training.
and it turns out well for him.”    –
Believers feel connected to God’s Hadith, Muslim UPCOMING EVENTS
love, have meaning and purpose
in life, and are motivated to reach OCTOBER
their true potential.They are also
accepting of challenges, believing Date: 3 - 5 Oct 19
that everything happens for a TAS (Together Against Stigma)
reason and that each of us has a Conference @ MBS
role to play in the greater scheme
of things. Date: 9 Oct 19
WMHD Celebrations and Book
“God does not look at your forms Launch @ WGS
and possessions … he looks,
instead, at your hearts and your NOVEMBER
deeds.” – Hadith, Muslim
Date: 2 & 9 Nov 19
Spirituality produces qualities Asatizah Enrichment Classes
such as honesty, patience, @ Pergas
tolerance, forgiveness and
compassion. Loving God means Date: 21 Nov 19
loving fellow humans by way of Buangkok Branch Opening
serving others and moving away
from the worship of material
things.

Let's Get Spiritual Said Rosnani, “My approach to Amalina's Journey Inward
recovery was by accepting who I
By Yohanna Abdullah was and my mental illness. I gained Assalamualaikum
knowledge on how to manage my everyone.
At her lowest point, Rosnani illness and looked at it from a
different perspective with a My name is Nur Amalina
Kamin, 45, a divorcee and single positive outlook. I also learned binte Ithnin. 
new skills and developed
mother, was unable to care for resilience to stress.”  My Struggles – Building Resilience
  Despite A Difficult Childhood
her children now aged 22, 19 and
She suggested these tools, which I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at
16. She has been diagnosed with she practised, for persons with 13. My challenges with mental health
mental illness:  issues probably started much earlier,
depression and anxiety since when my father passed on when I was
Going to rehab at Club Heal only eight. After the passing of my father,
July 2018. However, by consistently I kept getting ill and would isolate myself
Taking medication regularly at home. I would mess up the apartment.
surrendering to God and Practising mindfulness  Stepping out to head to school was hard
Deep breathing for me. I often returned home with
developing spiritually, she has  Yoga excuses after having only reached the
Daily exercise, eg, taking a walk ground floor of my HDB flat. I was not
recovered sufficiently to work in the park or cycling  medication-compliant for more than 9
Writing a gratitude journal years and frequently defaulted on my
part-time as a cashier and sales Drinking 8 glasses of water doctor’s appointments.
daily and eating a well-balanced
assistant. She now enjoys a diet  My Mother, My Deepest Strength
 
work-family life balance and has Rosnani is convinced that recovery My mother was unwell then and often
is possible through committed self- not at home, either being taken care of
achieved “stability and care, and  that people with mental by my relatives, or admitted to the
health conditions can live a hospital for months at a stretch. And
independence.” meaningful life despite the when she was at home with me, more
persistent symptoms and life often than not, we would be at
Rosnani shared, “My depression challenges that they face.     loggerheads and she would bear the
and anxiety affected my family brunt of my anger. Only after my
and career as I was unable to mother’s health continued to
take care of my children and degenerate – and she was ultimately
myself. My children’s school life diagnosed with breast cancer – did I
was affected - they were unable realise that we only had each other.
to concentrate at school. My Then I began to take care of her and she
eldest daughter had to take turned into my pillar of strength. She
charge of looking after me. The passed on of cancer complications in
rest of my children helped me her sleep shortly after I turned 21.
with the housework. I couldn’t go
out and work because I lost focus
easily and I feared interacting
with people.

She opened the doors to recovery Finally, and most importantly she
when she opened her heart to believes and recites this
Allah. “By getting closer to Allah frequently, “Allah is sufficient for
through  solat (ritual prayer),  zikir me and He is the best disposer of
(meditation in remembrance of affairs.”
God) and reciting a few of  
the surahs (verses) from the Quran
and understanding their meaning, I
felt calm and managed my stress
better,” said Rosnani.

She also read Islamic motivation
quotes and listened to lectures by
Muslim speakers on YouTube and
made many du’as(supplications) to
Allah. She gained peace by
forgiving and asking for
forgiveness, and striving to do
good deeds.
 

 

The Power of Growing Spiritually PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT

I cannot say that I am a very pious Do help people with mental health challenges receive the support
person, but I believe that everyone they need.
has their own spiritual development
and a relationship with a higher HOW TO GIVE?
source of power. I believe that we are
answerable for every single step we Online at www.giving.sg/club-heal
take. We begin our deeds with
our  niyyaat  (intentions).When I first Interbank transfer - OCBC Current Account 641372131001.
got unwell, I started writing about my Kindly email [email protected] with your name, NRIC,
feelings. I would write poem after address, date of transfer and gift amount.
poem and journal on my blog; it
became a sort of spiritual and Cheque (crossed & made payable to 'Club HEAL'). Mail to Club
creative therapy. I would take HEAL Head Office - 244 Bukit Batok East Ave 5 #01-02
moments during the day to breathe Singapore 650244
deeply and meditate. I would also
practise light stretches and Should you have any questions, or wish to make a deep and lasting
manageable yoga positions.    And contribution to Club HEAL, through a major gift, please get in touch
whenever I had problems with my with Fund Manager, Ms Marina Chong at [email protected] /
inner self, I would write long letters +65 8488 5130
to God. All these helped me in my
recovery journey. BE A HEALING FRIEND

My Inspirations “You see, the Mu’min in their mutual piety, love and affection, are like a
(single) body. When a part (of it) has a complaint, the whole body is united
My source of inspiration for with it in wakefulness and fever.” – (Bukhari and Muslim).
developing spirituality was my late
mother. I also feel inspired by writers As a member or a volunteer, you can contribute in a variety of ways,
who convey deep meaning in single from assisting in Club HEAL events to conducting rehabilitative
phrases, prompting my ambitions to activities! We need people from all walks of life who can contribute
help others through my writing as their time and skills to fulfil our cause. To become a member, please fill
well. up the membership form available at our website (under Resources
section) and email it to us at [email protected] or mail it to: Club
My Encouragement to Other People HEAL, Blk 244, Bukit Batok East Ave 5, #01-02, Singapore 650244.
in Recovery We look forward to hearing from you!

To peers out there who are seeking C R E A T I V E C O R N E R By Aneez Fathima
their recovery process through the 10 September 2019
path of spirituality, I will say this: Hold the Rope firmly 

“Follow your own path and do not let I felt miserable and melancholic. "Verses beaming a ray of hope –
others lead you by the nose. What works Distressed and in a state of panic.  I held firmly onto my Lord’s Rope. 
for one person might not be the way for
another. Spirituality to me has meant Depressed about my Penned fate. Ten years since, of solitude.
finding myself and being whole and true Unwilling to accept my state.  For my Lord has not forsaken;
to myself. Similarly seek your own path. Desolated without any hope. I brim with gratitude. 
You might not be ‘religious’, but that Struggled hard just to cope.  Allah has already written everything
does not mean you cannot have a Unfolded the Quran in agony, Now, He is Mercifully administrating. 
relationship with God.” Where Allah’s words bestowed Everything happened for a reason
tranquillity.  Preordained beyond our
‘’Your Lord has not forsaken you, comprehension. 
nor has He become displeased.  Accept it, whether good or bad.
And surely what comes after is better Let go, and move on to be glad.  
for you than. That which has gone If knowing Him is religion,
before. And soon will your Lord give Feeling Him is spirituality to
you so that you shall be well pleased”  my cognition. 

SNAPSHOTS OF PAST EVENTS Patron in Chief
Mdm Halimah Yacob
2 July, SP GoServe @ Singapore Polytechnic 
Counsellors Nabiilah and Daniel supported the initiative to raise awareness of mental health through a booth and games. Patrons
Mr Zaqy Mohamad 
3 July, SG Cares Community Network @ Pasir Ris-Punggol SSO Mdm Rahayu Mahzam
The eastern CREST team and counsellors Kenneth and Zakiah contributed with a sharing session and a booth to raise
mental health awareness. Hon Advisors
Dr Joseph Leong Jern-Yi
5 July, Talk on Grief and Loss @ Pacific Activity Centre   Dr Habeebul Rahman
Senior Counsellor Hamidah engaged participants at the PAC on the topic through storytelling, developmental life cycles and Dr Norhisham Main
the use of quotes of affirmation cards.  Dr Sharifah Mariam Aljunied

6 July; 7 September, HFT @ Club HEAL (Pasir Ris) Hon Legal Counsel
HEALing Friend Training sessions conducted by our staff were well-received by interested members of public, our new Ms Roslina Baba
volunteers and friends of Club HEAL. The session on 7 September included an inspiring sharing of recovery stories by two
Our HEALing Voice (“OHV”) participants. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
President
8, 30 July; 11, 25 September, ARS Lecture series Dr Radiah Salim
The Club HEAL team conducted a comprehensive mental health training for asatizahs (religious teachers) at various venues. Vice-President
Dr Zuraimi Mohd Dahlan
19 July, Friday Collection @ Singapore Mosques Hon Treasurer
This year’s Friday Mosque Collection covering mosques throughout Singapore was a success, thanks to the support of Ms Fauziah Mohd Hussein
wonderful donors and the volunteer taxi-drivers and tin-bearers. Hon Asst Treasurer
Ms Maimunah Jumat
19 July, Interfaith panel discussion @ NVPC Hon Secretary
Counsellor Fauzy took part in this event organised by Muslim Youth Forum and Interverse. He provided the audience with Ms Noorunnisa Ibrahim Kutty
Islam’s perspective of mental health issues. Hon Asst Secretary
Ms Rohizan Talib
28 July, Talk on Mental Wellness @ Emsportif
Senior Manager Hery conducted the session, with Mental Health Advocate Aidil Arsad and Prog Coordinator Sumaiyah Members
supporting. Ms Amarjit Kaur
Dr Bibi Jan Ayyub
2, 23 August, Student Workshops @ Woodlands SS Ms Deena Bajrai
Counsellor Nabiilah and Senior Counsellor Feda held workshops for students at Woodlands Secondary School on mental Ms Eunice Olsen
health topics, including relationship management, conflict resolution and seeking help. Mr John Ho
Ms Nur Izzati Zainuddin
3, 17 August, Parenting Talks @ Madrasah Aljunied and Wak Tanjung Ms Siti Aishah Jaafar
Senior Counsellor Hamidah spoke to parents at these two Madrasahs. Ms Siti Hawa Sulaiman
Ms Siti Noor Baizura Rahmatullah
8 August, National Day and National Friendship Day celebrations @ Anglican Care Centre (BBE) Ms Tazrinah Hussein
A National Day and National Friendship Day celebration was organised by Singapore Anglican Community Services for our
clients at Bukit Batok. Editorial Team
Chief Editor
11 August, Mental wellness talk @ Jamiyah arRabitah Ms Noorunnisa Ibrahim Kutty
Dr Radiah gave a mental health talk at Jamiyah ArRabitah mosque to zakat recipients.
Editorial Team Members
22 August, Mental health talk @ Fatchap Suntec City  Cherene Leong
Counsellor Kenneth was invited to a panel discussion for IT professionals by Twilio on topics like mental health, burnout, Radiah Salim
stress in the workplace, and self-care approaches. It truly was an experience for him! Sumaiyah Mohamed

24 August, Singhealth President’s Challenge @ ITE College East Designer
Counsellors Kenneth and Sakinah promoted Club HEAL’s services during the Singhealth President's Challenge at ITE Marina Chong
College East.
Contact Club HEAL
24 August, Forum @ Al-Ansar Mosque Office: 6899 3463
The Club HEAL team of Dr Radiah and OHV Participants Adlina and Sameni took part in a forum “Jinn or Mental Illness: Fact (9am – 5pm weekdays)
or Myth” organised by Sout Ilahi. We also had a booth at this event with 300 participants.   Mailing Address:
Blk 244, Bukit Batok East Ave 5,
25 August, MC and Staff Retreat @ Bollywood Vegies #01-02 Singapore 650244
The management committee and management team bonded at Bollywood Veggies, while engaged in a discussion to revisit Email: [email protected] 
Club HEAL’s mission and vision. Website: www.clubheal.org.sg
FB: Club-HEAL
30 August, Booth @ Zhenghua SS Community Champions Festival IG: ClubHEAL_SG
OHV Participant Afiqah shared her recovery journey with students at Zhenghua Secondary School, and on how Registration No: T12SS0028K
volunteering had helped her heal. There was also a booth to raise mental health awareness, manned by Prog Coordinator
Sumaiyah.

31 August, Forum and booth @ Assyakirin
Dr Radiah spoke at this forum titled “Break Free – Finding Relief in Every Hardship”, alongside other esteemed speakers to a
captive audience of 100. Kak Junn and volunteer Carlina helmed the booth.

1 September, Ceramah Awam tentang Demensia @ WGS
Mental Health Nurse Fazeeda gave a speech at this dementia forum organised by Geng Sihat and Muslim Healthcare
Professionals Association at Wisma Geylang Serai.

7 September, World Alzhiemer’s Day Enabling Festival @  National Design Centre
Case Manager Atiqah and Counsellor Balqis addressed some of the observed issues and challenges with regards to
dementia and caregiving within the Malay/Muslim community. Current and former caregivers of persons with dementia
enriched the event by spontaneously sharing their experiences.

7 September, Booth @ Al-Mawaddah
Sarinah and Lydia reached out to mosque attendees at Al-Mawaddah at this health fair organised by the Federation of
Indian Muslims.

14, 15 September, Booths @ An-Nur and Al-Istighfar
Our Northern and Eastern teams set up booths to raise mental health awareness at these mosques.

22 September, Club HEAL AGM @ Buangkok Centre
The Club obtained enough quorum and successfully conducted our AGM at our new premises at Buangkok.