A Community That Looks Out For Seniors

The Power of One

Ferlynn had lived in her block for close to a decade when she noticed an elderly neighbour standing at the void deck asking passersby for loose change. She began stopping to talk with her.

One Chinese New Year, she arrived at the auntie's unit with vegetarian dishes — and found her lying on the floor, unresponsive. She stayed for close to an hour until help arrived, and later connected the auntie with a social service agency for long-term support. That experience showed her how much a single person paying attention could matter.

From Concern to Action

When Ferlynn decided she wanted to do more, our community workers connected her with Mazleena, a neighbour who shared the same concern. Through the Community Enabler Fellowship, Beyond equips residents with the tools and support to turn personal concern into organised community action. Together, they became the founding partners of the Sweet Heart Care Team — recruiting nine volunteers, door-knocking to check on elderly residents, organising activities, and flagging a slippery pathway that was a hazard for seniors.

A Community In The Making

The initiative reshaped daily life on the block. Auntie Ah Mei and Loke See Foong had lived on the same floor for six years without properly speaking. Today, they meet daily for kopi. Makcik Salmah and Makcik Su reflected that life in old kampungs meant neighbours were naturally connected and less isolated than in modern HDB living. "Now at least someone wants to know how we are doing," they shared.

The fellowship cycle has long ended but the team still gathers every month, and the friendships they’ve built with the seniors never wane.

If you just keep quiet and don't have any friends, who will help you if anything happens?"

— Loke See Foong