A Day in the Life: How Leonard Se Brings Seniors Together at Brahm Centre MacPherson
Program & Care Coordinator Leonard Se draws on his own mental health journey to build a community where seniors feel they belong.
For Leonard Se, supporting the well-being of seniors is something close to his heart. Before he started helping others, he had his own struggles with mental health and found himself unsure of where to turn or who to approach for support. That experience never left him — and it now shapes the way he cares for the seniors he works with today.
As a Program & Care Coordinator at Brahm Centre (MacPherson), no two days are the same for Leonard. Over the past eight and a half years, he has spent his time creating activities that bring seniors together, helping them stay active, make new friends, and find a sense of belonging at the centre.
Creating a Safe Space to Be Heard
Through his role, Leonard hopes that residents who may be facing similar challenges know that they do not have to go through them alone. He wants them to know that support and resources are available within the community, and that there is always someone willing to listen.
Whether through a mindfulness session, a simple conversation over a meal, or a group activity, Leonard strives to create a safe and welcoming space where seniors feel comfortable being themselves.
A Day in Leonard’s Shoes
We followed Leonard through an average day as a Program & Care Coordinator:
9:30am — Wellness in Motion
Leading a wellness exercise session that combines mindfulness, stretching, strength and balance exercises.
12:00pm — Lunch Together
Distributing fried rice, hor fun and stir-fried vegetables for lunch — a shared meal that doubles as a chance to check in with residents.
2:00pm — Sing-Along Spirit
Kicking off the afternoon’s karaoke session, one of the centre’s most popular activities.
5:00pm — Planning Ahead
Wrapping up the day by planning next month’s program with his team.
Friendships Built on Shared Experiences
After nearly nine years in the role, Leonard believes the best activities are those shaped by the residents themselves. The friendships that have grown through these shared experiences — including on overseas trips, where many participants have become especially close — are what make his work so rewarding.
“I hope that the residents know that they have a community around them — a place where they can connect, talk and seek support without judgement. Seeing residents who were once strangers become good friends through activities, meals and trips together really gives me work meaning, and keeps me going every day.”
— Leonard Se, Program & Care Coordinator, Brahm Centre (MacPherson)
Building Resilient Minds, Happy Minds
Leonard’s story is a reminder that behind every activity at Brahm Centre is a coordinator who genuinely cares — someone who has walked a difficult road himself and now uses that experience to make sure no senior in our community walks theirs alone.
This feature is adapted from Poppin’ Issue 9, Brahm Centre’s community magazine.
Want to be part of a community like this? Visit our centres to find a program near you, or get in touch to learn how you can support seniors’ mental well-being through Brahm Centre.
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]]>But an opening like this is about much more than a new space. It is about creating more places where people can slow down, meet others, and strengthen the inner resources needed to navigate life’s changes.
At Brahm Centre, we believe in a simple truth: people need people.
Whether it is a young person finding confidence for the road ahead, a working adult learning to respond differently to stress, a senior staying active and connected, or someone simply needing a supportive community around them, wellbeing grows when people know they do not have to navigate life alone.
We were honoured to mark this milestone with Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, our Patron Prof Choo Chiau Beng, our partners, donors, volunteers, colleagues and friends.
Today also marked another step forward in our partnership with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as we signed an MOU to deepen opportunities for learning, volunteering and workplace exposure.
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]]>SINGAPORE – One student was hit by an agitated and confused patient with dementia.
Another student tearfully bade goodbye to an elderly patient he had grown close to, after the man transferred out of his ward when his condition worsened.
These were the defining moments for two teenagers – Aderes Liv Fadzlin and Sharma Shah Vel Subagar – from NorthLight School during a 10-week stint at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Integrated Care Hub (ICH), which provides care primarily for seniors.
The attachment is part of the school’s Industry Experiential Programme (IEP), a module they take in their final year.
It is one of five modules they must complete over their last two years to attain the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Skills Certificate in Community Care Support.
NorthLight School, which is located an eight-minute drive from TTSH, specialises in vocational training. Students pick one of four ITE Skills Certificates in Community Care Support, Hospitality Services, Facility Services or Retail Services.
“I already knew my future dream job was to be a nurse,” she said, adding that while growing up, she had watched National Geographic documentaries on healthcare and the TV series Grey’s Anatomy (2005 to present).
Each day, she arrived at the ward half an hour before her 8am shift, making it a point to greet each of the 30 patients. Even after her shift officially ended at 5pm, she would stay behind if the ward was busy.
When she was hit by the patient, she calmly informed the nurses before stepping away to collect herself. Her parents were also informed.
“I just walked away from the particular place where it happened. I also used the stop-and-breathe technique,” she said.
She learnt this from weekly workshops at charity Brahm Centre on mindfulness and emotional regulation.
Every Friday during the stint, the students ended work at noon to attend these four-hour sessions designed to build the resilience needed to care for patients professionally.
Since 2024, a total of 14 students have completed the programme with TTSH over three intakes.
Students care for patients recovering from surgery or undergoing rehabilitation after conditions such as strokes. They help patients with everyday tasks known as activities of daily living, including brushing teeth, feeding, changing diapers, replacing bed linen, and transferring patients between beds and wheelchairs.
Although they are not allowed to perform procedures such as wound dressing or bathing patients, they assist nurses by anticipating the patients’ needs and supporting them during treatments.
Maria Lourdes Salta Celis, 51, a nurse manager at TTSH, said the students were a “big helping hand”, allowing them to focus on clinical duties like preparing medication and more complicated tasks.
“After they learn the skills, there’s no need to tell them what to do or say, they are very proactive,” she added.
She recalled how students would instinctively prepare equipment for patients identified as being at risk of falls.
Beyond helping with physical care, the students also forged close bonds with patients during communal meals, craft sessions and exercise activities.
“We ended up spending a lot of time together,” said Sharma, 17, about a patient who treated him like a grandson.
从协助病人进食、翻身、洗澡到更换尿布等，学生有机会在医院实习，为未来投身护理工作打下基础，也为我国医疗行业培养生力军。
陈笃生医院、百仁中心（Brahm Centre）和北烁学校星期二（6月30日）宣布这个已经展开三年的合作计划成果。最新一届学生在今年5月完成实习。
三年共培养14名北烁学生接触护理工作
计划在2024年启动，三年共培养14名北烁学生接触护理工作，让他们有机会在陈笃生医院综合医疗护理中心实习长达10周。表现优异的学生在完成学业后，有机会获医院聘请为全职或兼职员工，例如医疗助理。
北烁学校社区关怀服务部门主任陈丽群说：“我们在协助学生寻找实习机会时，起初一些机构对学生的能力没有太大信心，有刻板印象。感激这次合作能够克服偏见，让社区护理领域的机构看到我们的学生同样可以服务社会，能够胜任医护人员的工作。”
陈丽群指出，实习经历也激发学生兴趣，未来向往医疗护理领域发展，并培养软技能，包括同理心、主动性、解决问题的能力，以及合作精神。
陈笃生医院综合医疗护理中心，为中风、失智症和脊髓损伤等患者提供复健和照护服务。中心护理部主任王邡茈指出，中心的患者已经度过危险期，病房提供临床照护，也安排互动活动，协助病人康复和重返社会，而学生会在护士监督下跟病人互动。
学生刚开始时依赖指示，但经过培训后，已懂得主动观察环境，知道哪里需要协助，不再只是等待别人分配工作。
王邡茈说：“我们希望提供一个安全和具有强大支持的实习环境，让学生把课堂学到的知识转化为实践，为学生建设一条从义工服务到职业发展的通道。”
学生在护士的专业指导下照护病人，陈笃生医院临床护士陈琳受访说，实习激发年轻人加入医疗行业，让学生发现护理可能是一条值得追求的职业道路，也减轻护士的工作负担，减少病人需要服务时的等待时间。
参与计划的北烁学校学生佘文欣（16岁）告诉《联合早报》，实习让她学会如何在高压和节奏快的环境下保持冷静，并学到调节情绪的方法，例如一种名为“STOP. B”的技巧，也就是先停下来（Stop）、深呼吸（Breathe），再思考自己应该做什么，以及该如何去做。
“实习期间，我遇到几次突发情况，当时都运用了相同方法来调节情绪，让自己保持冷静。”
The article reports on a three-year collaboration between Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Brahm Centre, and NorthLight School, where students are given the chance to intern in a hospital setting and gain exposure to healthcare work. The latest group of students completed their internship in May 2026.
Through the programme, students learn basic patient-care support in a supervised environment, helping them build confidence and explore possible careers in healthcare. Since the programme began in 2024, 14 NorthLight students have participated, with internships lasting up to 10 weeks at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Integrated Care Hub. Strong-performing students may later be considered for full-time or part-time roles, such as healthcare assistants.
A NorthLight School representative said the partnership helped overcome stereotypes about the students’ abilities and showed that they can contribute meaningfully in community care and healthcare settings. The internship also helped students develop soft skills such as empathy, initiative, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The article also notes that Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Integrated Care Hub supports patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, dementia, and spinal injuries. Students interact with patients under nurses’ supervision, in a safe and supportive learning environment.
One 16-year-old student, Yu Wenxin, shared that the internship taught her how to stay calm in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. She also learnt a self-regulation technique called “STOP. B” — to stop, breathe, then think about what to do next.
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]]>Thank you to our team for your continued dedication. Ms. Josephine Tham, Senior Manager, Care Services, received the award on behalf of Brahm Centre from AIC CEO Mr. Tan Chee Wee and Dr. Charlene Chen. 🏆
This highlights our work in the Meeting Centre Support Programme, where we train local merchants to become Dementia Go-To Points (GTPs). These safe spaces are crucial for assisting disoriented seniors and reuniting them with loved ones.
For those who have been part of the Meeting Centre, thank you for your care! For those joining soon, we look forward to your involvement in this meaningful work. 🫶
Congratulations to the team—this reflects our collective effort to make a difference every day! 🥳
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]]>67-year-old Lim Ai Ling has been a volunteer at the charity organization Brahm Center since 2012.
Currently, she teaches a class called “Brain and Body” every week at the Tampines branch center. By combining simple hand and body movements with educational games, she hopes to help the elderly participants in the course to exercise their brain and body coordination.
Her classes are popular among the elderly, with more than 40 people currently participating.
Lim Ai Ling, a cheerful woman with type 2 diabetes, signed up for a free dementia research screening in 2022. The test revealed that, perhaps due to years of diabetes, her brain was shrinking faster than her peers, putting her at risk for dementia.
She said that although she showed signs of brain atrophy, she was fortunately not diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She has been offering weekly “Brain and Body” classes since 2018, hoping that keeping her life and brain active will help reduce the risk of further brain atrophy.
Brahm Centre launched the exhibition to raise public awareness of dementia.
In addition to the “Brain and Body” program, Brahm Centre also offers other programs, including art and mindfulness. In conjunction with Dementia Awareness Month, Brahm Centre @ Tampines hosted a three-day art exhibition from September 26th to 28th, showcasing nearly 200 artworks and handicrafts created by seniors participating in the art and mindfulness programs.
Minister David Neo: “Art showcases the creativity and courage of senior citizens”.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education was invited to open the event and deliver a speech, said that the art exhibition reflects the creativity, courage and personal growth of the elderly.
“The artists whose works are exhibited here are all elderly people who have only started to get involved in or returned to artistic activities in their later years. They have found new meaning, joy, and a way to express themselves in painting.”
At the opening ceremony of the art exhibition, Minister Neo also presented a certificate of appreciation to volunteer, Lo May Ling (78 years old), to recognize her contribution to Brahm Center.
Before retiring, Lo May Ling was Deutsche Bank’s regional director for Asia Pacific. After leaving Deutsche Bank, she worked in various companies and institutions before officially retiring in 2014.
At the invitation of Brahm Centre CEO, Ms Angie Chew, she managed the construction project of Brahm Centre @ Tampines in 2019. Currently, she is also responsible for managing the construction of the Aljunied and Telok Blangah sub-centres.
For May Ling, managing the various construction projects at Bairen Center is also a way to exercise her brain, keeping her mind sharp.
“If I want to exercise my mind, I have to think actively. I try to stay active. I don’t have a TV at home so I can’t just sit and watch TV all day.”
目前，她每个星期都会在淡滨尼的分中心，教授一门名为“脑部与身体”的课程。通过结合简单的手部、身体动作，以及益智游戏，希望协助参加课程的乐龄者锻炼脑部与身体协调。
林艾鸰的课程受到乐龄者的欢迎，目前有40多人参加。
外表开朗的林艾鸰，是二型糖尿病患者。2022年，她报名参加一项免费的失智症研究检查。检查后发现，或是因为多年患有糖尿病，她脑部的萎缩速度比同龄人更快，也因此有患上失智症的风险。
林艾鸰说，虽然检查出脑部萎缩的迹象，所幸没有患上阿尔兹海默症。她从2018年开始每周开办“脑部与身体”课程，希望一直保持生活和大脑的活跃状态，能有助于降低脑部进一步萎缩的概率。
除了“脑部与身体”课程，百仁中心（Brahm Centre）也开办其他课程，当中包括美术和正念课程。配合失智症意识月，百仁中心@淡滨尼在9月26日至28日举办为期三天的艺术展，展示近200件美术及手工作品。这些作品正是参加美术和正念课程的乐龄者所绘制的。
梁振伟：艺术展现乐龄者创造力和勇气
文化、社区及青年部代部长兼教育部高级政务部长梁振伟受邀为活动开幕并致词时说，艺术展体现了乐龄者的创造力、勇气和个人成长。
“在这里展出作品的艺术工作者，都是在晚年才开始接触或回归艺术活动的乐龄者。他们从绘画中找到新的意义、快乐，及表达自我的方式。”
梁振伟也在艺术展开幕仪式上，为另一名百仁中心义工李美玲（78岁）颁发感谢状，肯定她对百仁中心的贡献。
李美玲退休前曾担任德意志银行的亚太区域总监。离开德意志银行后，她到不同企业和机构任职，2014年正式退休。
在百仁中心总裁周荧柃的邀请下，她于2019年管理百仁中心@淡滨尼的施工项目。目前，她也负责管理阿裕尼和直落布兰雅分中心的建设。
对李美玲而言，管理百仁中心的各个施工项目也是锻炼脑力的方式，使她维持思维敏捷。
“如果我要锻炼思维，就得主动思考。我尽力保持生活活跃。我的家中没有电视机，让自己无法整天坐着放空看电视节目。”
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]]>Once a wedding photographer for nearly 20 years, Leonard’s career was disrupted by the wave of digitalisation, leaving him lost and struggling with depression. In 2014, he travelled to India for a retreat in Rishikesh, where a simple and disciplined life helped him rediscover himself.
After returning to Singapore, he picked up tailoring, began volunteering, and eventually found his calling. In 2018, he joined Brahm Centre full-time as a Care Coordinator, supporting seniors through exercises, home visits, KTV sessions, neighbourhood walks, and short trips. “Our aim is simple — to help seniors stay active and happy.”
Leonard recalls an elderly man he once met in a wheelchair 4-5 years ago who never responded to greetings. Over time, the man opened up and joined AAC activities. Now, at 87, he walks independently without a wheelchair.
“Being a case worker will not make you wealthy,” Leonard says. “But with passion and heart, helping seniors live well in the second half of their lives brings fulfillment and inner richness.”
慈善机构百仁中心现任关怀协调员徐显潭性格开朗，殊不知他的人生几经转折。曾扛着相机做了近20年的婚礼摄影，终究抵不过行业数码化的浪潮，他因无所适从而掉队，一度患上抑郁症。
“当时是最困难时期，需要美图加工等，又得改用更昂贵的器材，不像现在有科技辅助。当时自然而然被淘汰，前途一片迷茫。”
2014年，徐显潭远赴印度找寻自我，在北部城市瑞诗凯诗（Rishikesh）一所修道院静修半年。早晨听诵经，偶尔教孩童念书，生活简单规律。
回返新加坡后，他报名裁缝课程，最终顺利就职。闲暇时，他到各机构做义工，就此找到热忱，2018年加入百仁中心全职服务。
徐显潭说，义工的任务主要是带年长者做体操、上门探访独居年长者，有时陪他们唱卡拉OK，或者到邻里观光或出国短途旅行。“新加坡已经步入老龄化社会，我们的初衷很简单，就是想用各种方法，让年长者保持活跃开心。”
他忆述，四五年前曾在组屋地面层碰到一名坐轮椅的老伯。虽然他身旁有个女佣，但两人之间几乎零交流。“我每次路过都会跟他打招呼，他却一直没理我。直到有一天，他终于开口回应了，这才打开了话匣子。”
原来，老伯丧偶，孩子工作忙碌。徐显潭便介绍老伯到活跃乐龄中心一同练体操。老伯如今已87岁，反而不再需要轮椅就能自主走动，这是多年来坚持活动的成果。
徐显潭豁达地说，当义工是不会发达的，没经验可以慢慢学，最重要是有热忱。帮助年长者过好人生下半场，令他觉得生活踏实、内心富足。
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]]>An Uplifting Journey with Art : From the Heart, Seniors Share Stories of Strength Through Art
Brahm Centre’s latest senior art exhibition, titled “An Uplifting Journey with Art,” brought together over 100 heartfelt artworks created by seniors from across our five centres. This powerful showcase of creativity and resilience was more than just an exhibition—it was a celebration of healing, connection, and purpose through art.
Featured in The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, 8world, and Zaobao, the event highlighted how art therapy has empowered over 4,000 seniors to express themselves, build confidence, and rediscover joy in their golden years.
At the event, we also announced the opening of our new Telok Blangah centre in January 2026, which will further expand access to counselling, art therapy, and eldercare services to meet growing community needs.
As we continue to support mental wellness through creative and meaningful programmes, An Uplifting Journey with Art reminds us that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and inspire.
Channel News Asia
8World
The Straits Times
Zaobao
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]]>Raya With Love: A Grand Day of Celebration and Cheer
Our Tampines centre was absolutely buzzing last Friday as we threw open our doors for a heartwarming Hari Raya celebration! With Mr Baey Yam Keng as our guest-of-honour, we welcomed our seniors, volunteers, and interns to an afternoon full of joy, laughter, and festive cheer.
The spirit of Raya was truly alive—there was singing, clapping, and lots of smiling as familiar tunes like Rasa Sayang and Chan Mali Chan filled the air. Everyone got in on the fun, munching on delicious traditional kueh, cheering through games, and soaking in lively cultural performances. The event hall echoed with laughter and happy shouts—it was impossible not to get swept up in the energy!
Moments like these remind us how important connection is—not just as neighbours, but as one big family. We hope everyone left with a full heart (and maybe a full stomach too!).
A huge shoutout and thank you to the fantastic team of staff and student interns from Ngee Ann Secondary School—this celebration wouldn’t have been possible without your amazing support and dedication.
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]]>Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: A Meaningful 3-Day Retreat by Dr David Treleaven
From 15 to 17 February, a 3-day Mindfulness Retreat was organized by Dr David Treleaven and Adj. Prof Angie Chew, focused on the concepts of trauma-sensitive mindfulness as well as personal growth and healing. Held at Ng Teng Fong Centre for Healthcare Innovation, over a hundred participants got to experience first-hand the transformative effects of mindfulness practice, taking the time to get in touch with their own emotions and process past adverse experiences through grounding practices.
According to one of the retreat’s attendees, the experience left him feeling refreshed and rested, having the opportunity to forge meaningful social connections with others. The retreat provided a safe environment for him to process his emotions, as well as learn helpful and gentle practices to do so.
Another attendee quoted the retreat as incredibly enriching, with its trainers being highly skilled, creating a supportive space for deep self-exploration and healing. The compassionate guidance provided in the retreat helped previously complex practices feel accessible and empowering, which helped her to feel at ease.
We thank all our attendees for their enthusiastic participation in this retreat, and we hope they gained something valuable. Here’s to the next one!
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]]>A Valentine’s Day Appreciation Dinner: Expressing Gratitude To Our Ex-Board Chairman
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