Cultivating well-being and connection through wellbeing circles

Imagine a world where kindness and empathy are the norm. Well-Being Circles, a programme designed to foster these very qualities, is making this vision a reality. Through reflection, personal stories, and social support, Well-Being Circles equips individuals with well-being skills, empowering them to take charge and care for of their mental well-being – all on a flexible, pay-as-you-wish basis.

This impactful approach is even more crucial considering a recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health. The study revealed that depressive and anxiety symptoms could cost Singapore nearly S$16 billion annually. With a clear lack of preventative mental well-being programmes, Happiness Initiative's Well-Being Circles steps in to bridge this gap.

The programme focuses on three key ingredients: skills, stories, and social support. It equips participants, especially youths, with tangible strategies to enhance resilience and provides a safe space for sharing experiences, fostering a supportive community

The Power of Shared Stories and Actionable Steps

Inspired by strong engagement in adhoc workshops around festivals and online sessions during COVID-19, Simon and Sherman developed Well-Being Circles. The programme emphasises both the application of well-being skills in daily life and the mutual social support within the group, where participants share their stories and support each other in their well-being journey. With the National Youth Fund's (NYF) support, Well-Being Circles has blossomed into a movement, expanding to 12 successful runs over the three years - currently at its second.

Well-Being Circles brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity through shared wisdom and perspectives. Participants engage in activities like reflective exercises, storytelling, and mindfulness to promote mental well-being. These activities help develop an open mind, heart, and will, ultimately enhancing resilience, emotional health, and community support.

Building on Experiences, Partnering to Scale

One participant, Yeo Zhen Wei (33), shared, "The sessions provided a safe space to be open and vulnerable, leading to meaningful relationships and support systems." Another participant beautifully captured the programme's impact: "This has been a wonderful blessing for my mental and emotional wellbeing... helping me understand myself better and providing practical tools to manage anxiety and stress effectively."

The programme’s impact extends beyond its sessions. Well-Being Circles tracks this impact, with impressive results: 96% of participants engage in more prosocial behaviors, 98% of parents become better parents, and 89% of working participants promote well-being at their workplaces.

And of connections forged in the programme, another participant said "Beyond WBC, I have continued to keep the friendships made with my group members, to celebrate one another's birthdays and nudge everyone to head out once in a while. I feel happier and more grateful with the life I have built for myself and will continue leading a happy and meaningful life!"

Building on the enthusiastic feedback from past participants, Happiness Initiative has joined forces with NYC through the NYF to expand the programme's reach and impact, bringing its benefits to an even larger youth audience.

A World Built on Kindness and Contentment

When asked to imagine a world where everyone benefited from Well-Being Circles, co-founder Sherman Ho, 35, said, "People will be kinder to each other." Simon Leow, 47, his co-founder, added, "It would be a world with balance, where people appreciate family and progress, and a world of profound contentment, where people are content and ready to share what they have with others."

Thus far, through partnerships with nearly 200 organisations, Happiness Initiative’s various offerings have benefited over 480,000 participants. These include promoting well-being workplaces. Happiness Initiative is looking to expand reach and impact in the coming year.

A Network of Capabilities

The NYF grant significantly boosted Happiness Initiative's Well-Being Circles programme. The grant funded a three-year expansion, including exploring online circles to reach a wider audience. Looking towards Southeast Asia, the co-founders are enthusiastic. "We aim to be a leading regional well-being organization," says Simon. They wholeheartedly encourage other nonprofits and social enterprises to consider NYF grants, highlighting the NYC staff's supportive approach: "Apply and discuss the details. Their partnership team is fantastic." Sherman, initially hesitant about grants, found the NYF experience positive. "The staff were incredibly helpful, even assisting with challenges we encountered."

The Ripple Effect of Support

NYF grants, like the one awarded to the Happiness Initiative, exemplify the power of targeted support in scaling efforts and creating a ripple effect. Their mission to build resilient communities is truly inspiring. If you're looking to make a positive difference, consider how the NYF can empower you to achieve your goals.