The Beyond the Label (BTL) Collective, co-led by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and TOUCH Community Services, is stepping up efforts to build a more inclusive and mentally resilient Singapore. Over the past year, its programmes have touched the lives of more than 52,600 individuals across schools, families, neighbourhoods, and workplaces.
Workplaces in Focus
With one in four adults in Singapore experiencing some level of depressive or anxiety symptoms, workplaces have emerged as a critical space for mental health support. The BTL Collective is addressing this by equipping employers and HR professionals with the tools to create inclusive environments.
This year saw the launch of “Return to Work” workshops in partnership with the National University of Singapore. The sessions trained HR leaders to better support employees transitioning back after mental health-related absences. Encouragingly, 87% of participants felt ready to translate inclusive HR policies into practice, while 63% intend to establish structured return-to-work systems within their organisations.
CapitaLand Joins the Movement
Adding momentum, CapitaLand has partnered with the BTL Collective as Campaign Partner for 2025. Beyond supporting BTL Fest 2025 through venue sponsorship and publicity, CapitaLand is introducing workplace wellness workshops for its employees and tenants from October 2025 to March 2026.
In a landmark move, CapitaLand and TOUCH will also co-establish Singapore’s first workplace mental wellness centre in the CBD, set to open in the second half of 2026.
Community Outreach and Positive Shifts
The BTL Collective has expanded its reach with initiatives such as:
- Schools: 12 assembly talks for over 15,800 students, plus a “Tik Talk!” roadshow engaging 1,000 students in Institutes of Higher Learning.
- Families: Distribution of 300 Mental Health Toolkits, journaling workshops for families, and literacy training for migrant domestic workers.
- Workplaces: Dialogues on psychological safety with 330 participants and the development of an Inclusive Employment Pledge.
Evaluation results show strong progress:
- Awareness of mental health conditions jumped from 26.7% in FY2022 to 55.7% in FY2024.
- Willingness to support persons with mental health conditions rose to 98.9%.
- Help-seeking behaviour increased to 87.7%.
BTL Fest 2025
These efforts came together at BTL Fest 2025, held on 12 and 13 September at Plaza Singapura. With the theme “Breaking Stigma, Championing Workplace Mental Health”, the festival drew 4,000 attendees for workshops, performances, and interactive activities. The event was graced by Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
