Building a Caregiver Support Network

The AfA supported the implementation of Project 3i and Community Circles.

Project 3i is a caregiver-led initiative by CaringSG to provide social and emotional support for caregivers. Comprising CAREconnect, CAREbuddy and CAREwell, it connects caregivers to community networks and supports them through peer mentorship and professional support. 

Following successful pilots in Boon Lay and Kampong Glam, Project 3i’s CAREconnect programme expanded to Bukit Batok East, Pioneer and Telok Blangah in mid-2023 to benefit more caregivers.  

Community Circles involves a small group of friends, neighbours, or volunteers, forming a ‘circle’ of practical and emotional support around caregivers.

• Systematically connected caregivers to support groups and community partners
  • >3100 caregivers supported
  • >1000 unreached caregivers linked with peer support

• Developed a 12-month training model to equip grassroot leaders to build inclusive communities
  • >70 grassroot leaders trained
  • >1400 caregivers engaged
  • Caregivers received more support and information to better care for their loved ones
  • They felt more connected with other caregivers and included in the neighbourhood
  • Caregivers also reported increased levels of participation in their social, family and community life

• Expanded from initial pilot sites Boon Lay and Kampong Glam to include Bukit Batok East, Pioneer, Telok Blangah and Nanyang.

• >50 experienced caregivers trained to support other caregivers
• >90 caregivers matched and supported through the programme 
• Supported caregivers showed improvement in their own wellbeing and understanding of the needs of their loved ones
• Caregivers also gained knowledge that helped increase confidence in their caregiving competencies
  

48 families received support from a team of multidisciplinary, professional volunteers, who helped them navigate the services required for their complex needs.

From 1 Jan 2021 to 31 Jan 2024, CaringSG implemented Project 3i as a pilot project under the Singapore Together Alliance for Action (AfA) for Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities. The project has helped support and empower caregivers and their loved ones, as well as build inclusive communities. Following the wrap-up of the AfA in 2024, CaringSG published an executive summary report on Project 3i, which will detail the positive impact created through their caregiver support programmes. Read the report here.

To scale up Project 3i, expand programme awareness and increase caregiver participation, we will be working with CaringSG to strategically collaborate with community-based organisations and leverage existing caregiver networks. A key channel would be through our Enabling Services Hubs, where grassroots volunteers will be trained to support persons with disabilities and caregivers within ESH service areas.

CaringSG aims to:

• Train 50 – 100 CAREkakis (community volunteers) in the next 2 years in 5 new constituencies
• Work with community partners to build up a nationwide pool of over 500 CAREbuddies (trained caregivers) who can be activated to provide peer support for caregivers in need.

The fund aims to support ground-up initiatives that empower caregivers of persons with disabilities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively care for their loved ones and advocate for their needs. 

Funded projects will receive up to $5,000. The fund is open to applications from caregivers of persons with disabilities, caregiver support groups or organisations (Social Service Agencies and/or Social Enterprises) that support caregivers of persons with disabilities. The proposed project should promote sustained engagement among caregivers and benefit a minimum of 10 caregivers in one or more of the following areas:

• Increased access to information or resources 
• Strengthened social networks
• Improved physical and/or mental well-being 
• Enhanced caregiving knowledge or skills