Matter.Less

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Through games

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Zoom webinars

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Others

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

i speak about everyday issues like covid before causally touching on mental health topic

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I think it depends on who I am talking to; for people in my age group, I will just bring it up. Generally, people of my age are receptive towards listening about it. For older people, it becomes a sensitive issue as they associate it with being taboo, so I will have to use current affairs or something that happened around me to bring it up.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth,Others

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Making use of recent cases as a conversation starter

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Mental illness

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Through messaging or a talk

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Arts,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

social media

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I would not eh..as i will not know their stories and worry about causing triggers or discomfort during the conversation

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Through a shared experience.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Confession style: (face-less/back-to-back) 7-min of conversation with prompting question cards.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Mental illness

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Share about my personal experience about healing

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth,Films,Others

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I could probably try to get to know the person personally first before deep diving into more taboo topics such as mental health and encourage the person to open up to me about such topics

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Mental illness

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I don\'t

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Word of mouth

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I usually don’t. I have experienced enough from my parents to subconsciously distant myself from people who can not understand the importance of mental well-being.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

honestly, i wouldn\'t because i\'d be uncomfortable delving into a deep topic with a stranger

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Arts,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I guess I can engage with them under the anonymity.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

It depends on the scenario actually. If I met the person at a mental wellness event, I would talk about their views on the topic to understand what their opinions on the subject is and to find a topic where i can better identify with them. However, if it is with someone at a roadshow, I would probably ask them general questions such as how are they feeling or if they are concerned about the topic of mental health to get them talking. That said, if it were students, I would probably start off by asking them some questions that they may resonate with like \'how many of you feel stressed?\' to kickstart the conversation.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth,Others

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Through events and workshops regarding this topic as people are there to understand and talk about it.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Arts,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

At event and workshop regarding this topic and you know people are there to know more and talk about it.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Arts,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Get comfortable with them first and talk about the problems youths are facing nowadays

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Sometimes, people who have never experienced mental health issues find it tricky to understand what you are going through. Preparing the things that you’d like to say to this person can really help you if you don’t know how to begin the conversation. You could write down little pointers so if you feel yourself getting stressed or upset, you can refer back to the notes you made to help you continue your conversation. Try asking them questions like: “How does this make you feel?”, “do you understand what I’m going through?”, “do you have anything you’d like to ask me?” Questions like these can help both of you reflect on what you need from each other, and gives you the opportunity to work through anything that they may have misunderstood. If they still don’t really understand what you’re going through after you’ve had the conversation, its okay. Make sure you let the person know that you really appreciate them sitting down with you and listening to what you have to say. It may take them a bit longer to understand, but the main thing is that you maintain an open conversation between the two of you.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Body image

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Should we engage in such conversations first with people that we do know?

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

at events!

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Arts,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Mental illness

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Use of scenarios and role play

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Others

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Online forums like reddit.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

a dark room concept with 2 person. since it is embarrassing to talk about mental health topics (personally, I avoid eye contact as much as possible when discussing such topics). I think relying on voices in a darkened room would allow me to be more comfortable in saying whatever comes to mind, I don\'t have to mind my facial expressions that could give away my \"weakness\".

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Body image

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I will share a story about an article that I have read and ask for their views.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Blog,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Mental illness

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Through deeper question that does not directly target the mental health topics

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Mental illness,Body image

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

I do not know as it seems like a controversial topic

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Sexual assault,Mental illness,Trauma

In response to "How could you engage in conversations about mental health topics with people who you do not know?"

Given the prevalence of mental health issues, even strangers will relate to these topics as they will definitely know someone or they themselves who suffer from mental health issues.

In response to "How do you find out about stories regarding mental health?"

Social media,Word of mouth,Films

In response to "What are the issues within the mental health topics that are considered most taboo (lack discussion in society)?"

Suicide,Sexual assault,Mental illness,Body image,Trauma

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Generic games can become open conversation with others to know and hear about the topic. Also prior to educating youths, parents would be good figure to target first as they may be more mature and have a higher capacity to keep track of their children.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Art festival that showcase artwork and literal creations on mental health and awareness. As it is more visually appealing, it will get attention, and spark conversations.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

It will be good if there can be an open discussion with the audience about the motifs and experiences they saw and felt during the performance. What did they learn? What did they feel? There is of course, no right and wrong answer, but some people may bring home the wrong idea but much more can be explored through talking about it. One way I feel that may be suitable to execute this is through programmes with Community Centres. With the current covid situation, it need not be a one-way experience. You can bring the participants into performance for example, with small groups. That will make them literally in the shoes of persons with mental health issues and allow them to empathise.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I guess through theatre drama to portray and reach out to more people on the awareness on the mental health issues is very good. As the impact is huge enough if wish to reach out to more audience another way is short films or even tik tok videos could help to raise the awareness as well. Sometimes is not just about the stakeholders also the medium the stakeholders are using to reach out to more people for the main cause.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I think another issue within mental health that is not talked about is the issue of employment/holding a job. There is some focus on employment support and helping mentally ill people rejoin the workforce, but there is no discussion at all on how some people are just disabled and unable to work. People claim to care about mental health but they still base people’s worth on their economic productivity and ability to hold a job, and such a toxic notion actually makes mental health worse. There should be more discussion on how mental illness can affect things like cognitive and executive function in some people, and these people are thus unable to hold jobs. These people should still be appreciated despite their mental illness and ability to work.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I love the concept of a festival performance! However, \'the intention is to inspire the audience to open up conversations on mental health after watching the performance\' might require a more specific CTA or event element to make possible as it would be quite difficult for people to find the courage or urge to speak about mental illness openly just after watching a performance.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

How to attract people not into the arts? The targeted audience may be too specific?

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

By creating conversations and educating people more about mental health will help to empower people to share more about their own journey, this will empower a larger group to heal as a collective.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I feel that this is really a good initiative and could really spark more conversations around such taboo topics. I feel that on top of performances and films, you guys could also organize open dialogues to invite speakers to talk about these topics and encourage people who are struggling to seek help early.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

You guys could think about making your project more sustainable. For example, you can add more art forms that cater to more types of people. You can also charge them for these performances. But one problem would be that people might not be willing to spend so much money. So what you can do is partner with music and drama academies in Singapore and arrange concerts with them as well. They might come forward to partner with y’all if they gain some reputation for this as well. There are many small academies that can use this opportunity as well.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

perhaps you guys could get the public/audience involved too! through an interactive screening or have a Q&A after - i think it\'d be great if there\'s a set up where audience members can share their personal stories anonymously (maybe they can input their responses through a link and the stories can be flashed out on screen?)

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I like the idea of involving the arts into this as arts is a creative medium that can be used by anyone to express how they feel about certain issues and is an avenue to express feelings about mental health issues such as trauma, etc. Perhaps ensure that the form of expression not be too abstract for the layman to understand, otherwise this defeats the purpose of raising awareness of mental health issues.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I am wondering if you could work with larger film makers like Jack Neo? I am not promoting his work but I feel that his shows generally have a wide reach and touch on topics that are deemed to be more \'taboo\' but society. For example, the \'I Not Stupid\' series raised awareness on a previously taboo subject which is the way the normal technical programme was like and how ITE was viewed as \'It\'s the End\'. This then led to major changes in the ITE scene. As such, I feel that by having a large scale film cover this topic, it may better reach the Singaporean crowd and actually get them thinking about this serious subject. Perhaps one of the current partners the team is working with might have such film makers in their networks?

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I misunderstood this question previously, hence resubmitting my feedbacks on your proposal. I like how you suggested conveying mental health through performances and performers who have done work regarding mental health issues. But bear in mind that these performances’ reach may be niche. A more mainstream platform and performer should be considered if your aim is to spread this topic to wider audience and everyday people.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

A taboo is only taboo when people do not understand nor talk about it. I will suggest for MOE to incorporate mental health wellness as a mandatory module into our education system from young. Once this topic must be taught and learned, it will educate teachers and generations of Singaporean on this which is the fastest way to normalise it and create a society of greater acceptance on mental health issues.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I think film or a TV series would appeal more to the general public. The downside is that you might not be able to control the conversations that come out after. But if the intent is to just bring about conversation, then it could work.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I like how art is used as a medium to raise awareness about and spark conversations about mental health issues!! One suggestion is to have facilitated discussions after the performance - facilitators to bring the participants into small groups to discuss about their thoughts and feelings that came up during the performance - this gives them a space to learn about the life experiences and stories of strangers!! Another suggestion is to explore what are the current films/ theatre plays that have covered the issue of mental health and find a sweet spot/interesting topic that hasn\'t been covered before! lastly, trying to tie in tech with arts might be cool and help with the covid situation where people can interact with the performances from their homes ! eg using immersive AR/VR tech or interactive video-call activities.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

1. I really like the idea of leveraging the arts to discuss social issues such as mental health. I noticed that Matter.Less is a bilingual collective, and I think there is potential to use a variety of languages to engage with this topic in order to reach out to a wider demographic. Attention to local literature is particularly sorely needed. 2. Given current COVID-19 restrictions, I assume at least some of these performances will be conducted via Zoom, but perhaps there is also scope to collaborate with arts/heritage institutions such as National Gallery and National Museum to tap on their collections to discuss mental health e.g. by eliciting responses using asynchronous platforms. 3. While a festival performance has its place, I wonder how this can be converted into a more sustainable effort with longer-term impact for participants.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

For live performances such as plays and puppetry, perhaps an online platform can be created to allow members of the audience to share their thoughts and opinions during intermissions to facilitate live discussions when their memory is fresh. This is to improve the idea of having conversations after the performance instead as the audience may leave after the scheduled performance time.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

planning a festival is a good idea as it sheds light on such topics in an engaging manner but it could be tiresome as getting stakeholders on board could\'ve been difficult. as such, having a proper schedule and deadline that the team sticks to religiously, could help refocus the direction of the team. having the partners communicate with the team regularly will help to strengthen the relationship and move forward to the end goal. as someone who has experience in the arts scene, regular and proper communication with artists of intended direction and content are of high priority. it makes one\'s job easier and smooth sailing. I think the team has lots of potential in this project and when successful, I\'d love to be immersed in this festival performance.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

I think more in-depth topic on mental health can be shown in the art performances. Usually what is covered is pretty surface. It will be more impactful to dig into the mind of mental health patients. To cover interviews with those who experiences uncontrollable/ swinging emotions on various levels that is beyond what is usually shown. Some mental health patients can also appear very stable, but they might not feel so right in their mind. It will be good to show in-depth research and walk in the steps of the mental health patient to show their recovery journey and how the audience can reach out to them rather than stigmatise them. Can showcase the fears they face, the loneliness, the inability to help themselves. There are also many people who make fun of mental health patients as crazy people or ostracised them to let them know they are weird. Can also showcase the caretakers/ family as it is also not an easy journey for them.

In response to "How Can We Improve?"

Not sure if performances appeal to a wide audience