Issue No: 1/2010 - MINDS

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Appreciation Notes from MINDS When Singapore Airlines (SIA) was celebrating its 50th Anniversary, its management decided to form an SIA-MINDS Project Committee to consider making a significant donation and have staff involved in a long term commitment in a VWO of choice. The Committee decided on MINDS and a sum of S$4m was donated to MINDS for the building of the SIA-MINDS EDC located in Margaret Drive. Singapore Airlines and its volunteer staff continued their good work with MINDS even till today. MINDS would like to thank everyone in SIA for their commitment throughout the 10 years. Their efforts and contributions will go a long way for our pupils and clients. Special thanks to ComfortDelGro and its cabbies from Cabbycare Charity Group for their generous free rides to our Children’s Wing over the past few years and the kind donation of $10,000 in March 2010. Special thanks to all the pupils, staff and Board of Ngee Ann Primary School – for their enduring collaboration with Towner Gardens School and their enormous efforts put in to raise $70,000 via their 70th Anniversary Celebrations. 15 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people
PAT Programme @ MINDSville Text by Desiree Lim Photos by MINDSville@Napiri Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) has been gaining international recognition for the positive impact it can have in the lives of many people. When designed and implemented appropriately, PAT programme can improve the physical, social, emotional and/ or cognitive functioning of the beneficiaries, ranging from children to elderly and even people with disability. MINDSville understood the benefits and potential of the therapy hence began working with Therapy Dogs, Singapore (TDS) back in December 2007. Conducted on the third or last Friday of every month, volunteers from TDS would bring their certified and trained dogs to MINDSville and allowed clients (both ambulant and wheelchair-bound) to interact with the dogs through skill-based training programme. Since then, nearly 20 such sessions had been successfully conducted. The therapy sessions: Each PAT session began with TDS volunteers and their dogs greeting the clients of MINDSville. The trained dogs helped to break all ice between the volunteers and the clients. Simple Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) would then be conducted, such as putting small dogs onto the laps of clients to be stroked or getting larger dogs to “feet up” onto the clients to be patted. Sometimes, the dogs performed tricks to entertain the clients, or the volunteers would encourage the clients to give the dogs little treats. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) activities may then be tailored to help specific clients achieve desired benefits, including walking the dogs, throwing dumbbells of different weights and sizes, and brushing the dogs’ fur. The TDS volunteers took the initiative to strike up conversations with the clients and encourage them to talk about themselves - these helped to strengthen the bonds of friendship among them over time. About Therapy Dogs, Singapore (TDS) The result we observed: Most of our clients enjoyed and participated actively in this programme. Many residents liked to touch and feel the dog – they even danced in front of the dog! Residents who are sensitive to touch are now able to pat the dogs, comb their furs and even feed them. All residents were so excited about each session and they really looked forward to seeing the dogs. After several sessions, we noticed that some residents who seldom interact with others are now spending more time playing with the dogs. These same few residents seemed to have gained a higher level of confidence and self esteem too. With the help of dogs which they are familiar with, these few residents are also now able to walk for a long distance, while others are now able to give simple instructions to the dogs. Through the therapies, some residents also experienced improved the motor coordination of their hands. TDS is a non-profit voluntary organisation set up by a group of caring dog-owners who seek to share the unconditional love and affection of their dogs with society’s underprivileged and to provide PAT to meet their physical and emotional needs. TDS was formed in early 2004 by volunteers including professionals and homemakers to retirees and students. 16
Page 1 and 2: Wild Brother Three Boats Boats at S
Page 3 and 4: Message from the President When the
Page 5 and 6: Sports for the Mind Text and photos
Page 7 and 8: Celebrating Volunteerism Text and p
Page 9 and 10: New MINDS shops Text by Leroy Lee P
Page 11 and 12: Quotes ... From Winner and Nominees
Page 13 and 14: Our Valedictorians for 2009 Photo b
Page 15: Warming the Hearts through Art Text
Page 19 and 20: Fast Forward Parents and caregivers

Issue No: 1/2010 - MINDS

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