S3 Open House: World Stroke Day 2024

We recently hosted a successful Open House on 24 October 2024 at the Enabling Village, drawing a large crowd of stroke survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members! The event showcased S3's commitment to providing comprehensive support and fostering a vibrant community for individuals affected by stroke. 

The day commenced with an inspiring morning ceremony, featuring a dynamic kickboxing performance by Ms Valencia Yip alongside a group of stroke survivors. This energetic display highlighted the transformative power of S3's Wellness Programmes, demonstrating how physical activity can improve both physical and mental well-being. Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chairman of S3, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by a speech from Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Health and Minister of State for Communications and Information, who was our Guest of Honour. 

Both Ms Chang and Mdm Rahayu emphasised S3's pivotal role in shaping the future of stroke care in Singapore. Exciting initiatives in the pipeline were highlighted, including the establishment of Singapore's first stroke-focused adaptive gym and the launch of the Innovation Lab by S3. The adaptive gym will provide a safe and inclusive space for stroke survivors to continue their rehabilitation journey, while the Innovation Lab will foster collaboration between innovators and S3’s therapists and stroke survivors to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance quality of life for persons affected by stroke. It was also announced that as an Active Ageing Centre, S3 is looking to establish a dedicated space nearby S3 @ Jurong Point in 2025 to better serve the senior residents and engage them towards healthier lifestyles and stroke prevention.  

The Open House offered a diverse range of activities for attendees. Rehabilitation gym tours provided insights into S3's state-of-the-art rehab equipment and the personalised care offered to rehab clients. Wellness Taster Workshops allowed participants to experience firsthand the benefits of various activities, such as glockenspiel, kickboxing, hand chimes, and Nagomi art. These workshops demonstrated how S3's holistic approach to rehabilitation extends beyond physical therapy to include mental and emotional well-being. 

The Innovators’ Showcase was one highlight, showcasing innovative products designed to empower individuals with disabilities. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about these products and even try them out, gaining firsthand experience of how technology can enhance independence and quality of life. 

In another Open House highlight, the Human Library provided a unique platform for sharing personal stories and insights. Stroke survivors, caregivers, and S3 therapists shared their experiences, offering hope and inspiration to others. Guest speakers, including Mr Suhaimi Yusof and Mr S Pandian, captivated the audience with their stories of resilience and recovery. Their journeys serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of rehabilitation and the importance of community support. 

Our Open House would not have been possible without the amazing instructors and facilitators who led the various Taster Workshops — Valencia Yip and team from Active Red SG, Evelyn Lee from Prospect Music Therapy, Linda Low and Rosalind Lee! We also can’t forget our brilliant innovators who had the opportunity to share more about their creative ideas with everyone, and of course our mighty volunteers who helped us run the show from start to finish. We would also like to thank Singapore Pools, Yeo’s, Camel Nuts and Hey! Chips for the generous sponsorships of the available goodies for everyone!

Finally, a very big thank you to our venue partner Enabling Village, and the i'mable SG Enable Public Education initiative for supporting our event.

The S3 Open House 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together the stroke community and showcasing S3's commitment to providing exceptional care and support. By fostering a supportive community and promoting innovative solutions, S3 continues to make a significant impact on the lives of stroke survivors and their families. 

To view more photos from the Open House, visit our full album at here.