(The ThisConnect: Threading Worlds exhibition experience is one of intimacy with the inner self. Photo credit: A Moment of Connection)

COVID-19 has impacted society in unprecedented ways, and this has affected some of us mentally and emotionally, especially in the earlier part of the year when there was much uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and isolation. The importance of mental health and wellness has never been more keenly felt.
 
A portion of the endowments managed by Temasek Trust, gifted by Temasek, has gone towards the My Mental Health website set up by Temasek Foundation as part of their Stay Prepared initiative. The website presents a plethora of information helpful for any individual struggling with their mental health, particularly during COVID-19.
 
The My Mental Health website is the product of a partnership between Temasek Foundation, the Agency for Integrated Care, the National CARE Hotline and the National CARE Management System. The initiative complements the National CARE hotline by providing the public with access to curated articles contributed by mental health professionals, counsellors and other experts in the mental health field. It is also a one-stop hub for people seeking mental health support and further contains a comprehensive directory of helplines and services for those in need of more immediate assistance.
 
People of all ages and walks of life could face challenges with their mental health and wellness. My Mental Health website thus aims to be inclusive for all members of the community, from youths and seniors to working adults and parents. The website also enables more active engagement via its ‘Ask the Expert’ platform, which allows users to ask questions about mental wellness. These questions are then attended to within two working days by mental health professionals from Viriya Community Services.
 
To access the website and its resources, please visit: https://stayprepared.sg/mymentalhealth/
 
Mental health and wellness is integral to all of our lives. Temasek Shophouse supports art as a meaningful way of exploring this common ground we all share, and of encouraging discourse about the cause. Temasek Shophouse is proud to be hosting ThisConnect: Threading Worlds from 17 December 2020 to 17 January 2021.
 
Grant recipients of Temasek Trust’s oscar@sg fund, social artist duo Hunny and Lummy designed and organised this exhibition in collaboration with community partners. They aim to raise awareness of the mental and emotional health scene, as well as cultivate a society that is more engaged in active listening.
 
The multi-disciplinary exhibition examines the different dimensions of human connection, and the invisible forces that cause a rift between our internal worlds and external expression. The pieces in this exhibition encourage us to overcome this internal rift, and to live authentically by being present with our emotions.
 
The full exhibition features seven bodies of work, and will be held from 17 December 2020 to 8 February 2021. The full exhibition will take place at 1 Neil Road, with satellite exhibitions at Temasek Shophouse, Orchard Library and Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre.
 
For more information, please visit: www.thisconnect.today