EMPOWER (2019 - 2021)

Enriching and Mobilising Participation of Whampoa’s Elder Residents (EMPOWER) is a 3- year pilot programme that aims to build a ground-up peer leader empowerment programme for catalysing community-based active aging and community participation and action in health and wellness. This pilot service programme is co-funded by the Tote Board Social Service Fund (TBSSF) administered by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

Community Development utilising Culture-Centred Approach
Utilising the Culture-Centred Approach (CCA) pioneered by Prof Mohan Dutta, the programme employs methods of participation and dialogue that facilitate older persons in Whampoa and Boon Keng sharing community inputs and participating in the decision- making process. These Campfire Gatherings have consisted of fun activities and trainings centred around the concept of voice on common communication skills (designing posters, postcards, advertisements, presentations, etc.). The Campfire Gatherings have also included discussions on key community issues relevant to elders residing in Whampoa and Boon Keng areas. Through this intervention, the programme aims to develop capacity of older persons and mature residents to develop and implement civic action initiatives that will enhance Whampoa’s ability to age well.

ComSA Club
The ComSA Club aims to mobilise older persons into an organised group under the leadership of the ComSA Champions and Peer Facilitators. Some of the activities facilitated by this group will include popular activities including dancing, singing, cooking, gardening, sports, beads and crafts, and community curating, among others. Its main roles will include primarily: 1) sustaining successful ageing programmes such as BIG SWING; 2) supporting the interests of older persons in the community; 3) developing plans to advance health and wellness among older persons and positive image of ageing in the community; and 4) empowering older people to participate in various platforms that will further support their general well-being and overall aims of re-thinking ageing in the community.