MoU signing ceremony
In photo, Zoala (Jeff Lee, Sharmili Roy, Rahul Vijayan, Christina Yuen) x SHINE team (Lyon Koh Lin Lu, Timothy Lim Kiak Hwee, and Ang Le Shan)
In a pioneering development for adolescent mental health, Zoala and SHINE Children and Youth Services have entered a strategic partnership. This collaboration combines SHINE’s extensive expertise in youth services with Zoala’s innovative AI-powered platform, designed specifically for youths and adolescents with a focus on “Mental Wellness, First”. This initiative aims to enhance mental health resources available to young individuals, educators, and parents, fostering a supportive environment for mental well-being.
About SHINE Children and Youth Services
SHINE Children and Youth Services has been a cornerstone of support for Singapore’s youths for over 40 years. Established in 1976, SHINE’s mission is to maximise the potential of every child and youth through a variety of services, including:
School Social Work
Providing support within educational settings to help students manage academic, social, and emotional challenges.
Youth Mental Health Initiatives
Offering programs that address mental health issues, promoting resilience and wellbeing.
Individual and Family Therapy Services:
Delivering professional counselling to address a wide range of psychological and emotional issues.
SHINE’s holistic approach ensures that the diverse needs of young people are met, creating a nurturing environment for growth and development. Their programs are designed to empower youths and adolescents, giving them the tools and support they need to thrive in various aspects of their lives.
Zoala: Empowering Adolescent Mental Wellness
Zoala is an AI-powered mental wellness platform specifically designed for youths and adolescents. With a commitment to “Mental Wellness, First”, Zoala empowers young individuals to navigate their mental health journeys effectively through personalised care. Offering a Virtual Wellness Buddy, tailored interventions, and tools for positive habit building, Zoala ensures that users receive comprehensive support grounded in evidence-based practices.
The Collaboration of Zoala and SHINE
The partnership between Zoala and SHINE Children and Youth Services is more than a collaboration; it is a convergence of expertise and technology aimed at creating a robust support system for adolescents. Here’s what this partnership entails:
Enhanced Resources
Adolescents will have access to Zoala’s advanced mental wellness tools through SHINE’s established programs, providing them with comprehensive support.
Innovative Initiatives
We will jointly launch initiatives focused on raising mental health awareness, promoting resilience, and providing effective interventions.
Community Involvement:
Engaging educators, parents, and the broader community to foster a supportive environment for adolescent mental health.
How Educators and Parents Benefit
This partnership is especially significant for educators and parents, who play crucial roles in the mental health of adolescents. By integrating Zoala’s innovative technology with SHINE’s professional expertise, we aim to provide valuable resources and support for those on the front lines of youth development.
For Educators
Access to Zoala’s platform will provide educators with tools to support students’ mental health in the classroom. This includes strategies for identifying mental health issues early and integrating mental wellness practices into daily routines.
For Parents
Parents will benefit from resources that help them understand and support their children’s mental health needs. Zoala offers insights and tools that empower parents to engage in meaningful conversations and provide the necessary support at home.
Community Involvement:
Engaging educators, parents, and the broader community to foster a supportive environment for adolescent mental health.
What to Expect from this Partnership
The official signing ceremony that took place on 24th of June, marks the beginning of this exciting collaboration. Here are some key initiatives and outcomes to look forward to:
Comprehensive Support
Combining SHINE’s programs with Zoala’s platform ensures that adolescents receive holistic mental health support.
Awareness Campaigns
We will launch campaigns to educate the community about the importance of mental health and the resources available through this partnership.
Ongoing Evaluation
Continuous assessment and improvement of our programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of adolescents, educators, and parents.
Why This Matters
Adolescent mental health is a critical issue, with far-reaching implications for individuals and society as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven 10-19-year-olds globally experiences a mental disorder . Early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes for young people, helping them to build resilience and thrive. This partnership represents a proactive approach to addressing mental health challenges, leveraging both human expertise and technological innovation.
Join Us In This Journey
We invite educators, parents, and the broader community to join us in supporting adolescent mental health. By working together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment where young people can flourish. Stay updated on our progress and learn more about our initiatives by visiting our blog and following us on social media.
