The Enabling Festival 2022 commenced on September 23 at the National Gallery Singapore, centering on the theme of “Touch.” This year’s festival addresses the heightened sense of isolation experienced by individuals living with dementia and their caregivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted established routines and limited social interactions.

Recognizing the vital role that touch plays in communication and memory, the festival will feature a range of engaging programs designed to empower participants with practical skills and insights. Attendees will hear firsthand experiences from those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Ms. Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, will officially open the festival alongside ten pairs of individuals living with dementia and their family caregivers, showcasing a ground-up initiative built by caregivers for caregivers.

Co-founder of Enable Asia, Mr. Danny Raven Tan, shared his personal challenges during the pandemic, highlighting how necessary precautions led to a lack of social interaction for his mother, who has advanced dementia. He emphasized the emotional toll this isolation took on her.

The festival runs from September 23 to October 16, 2022, aligning with World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). It aims to raise awareness about dementia and the mental well-being of caregivers through a series of activities designed for individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and the general public. This year marks the first hybrid format for the festival, with 60% of events available online and 40% hosted in-person at the National Gallery Singapore.

Artistic Director Jeremiah Choy noted that attendees can look forward to interactive experiences, including art and creative workshops, insightful discussions, and film screenings that highlight poignant narratives within the community.

Additionally, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will present a video on Namaste Care, a comprehensive approach to caregiving that incorporates sensory, psychosocial, and spiritual elements to improve the quality of life for those with dementia, offering practical tips for effective communication that will benefit both caregivers and their loved ones.