API 关怀与辅导中心，附属亚洲教牧学院（API）的社区外展工作，感到很荣幸能举办这次的网络研讨会，是关于以循证策略来降低认知能力的衰退。

Communication is an essential part of our lives at home and at work. There is a need to convey ideas, instructions, and thoughts to others around us including our loved ones, colleagues, bosses, and subordinates. Everyone aspires to have harmony at home, and to be recognized and appreciated at work. However, these aspirations do not always come naturally to most of us, especially when we get stuck in repeated and poor communication patterns.

Statistics have shown that family violence or abuse happens to people of all ages, races, religions, and occupational and educational backgrounds. Thirty percent of Singaporeans report experience of such abuse, or that someone close to them has experienced it (The Straits Times, 10 Dec 2019). In 2020, there was a 22% increase in family violence since the start of the circuit breaker (Channel News Asia, 14 May 2020). Many people believe that fighting within a household is 'normal' and that it is a private matter between household members. However, not many are aware that family violence has serious physical and mental health consequences for the victim, whether he/she is an adult or a child. Beyond the household, family violence is also linked to absenteeism and poor performance in the workplace, which may result in social isolation, and housing and financial concerns. Often, victims of family violence do not know they are in a violent relationship or do not dare to seek help for themselves until it is too late. A greater awareness of family violence can equip us as first responders to an on-going family violence situation.

Are there moments in your life when you feel down and do not know how to get by? Do you have a loved one or a friend who is struggling with low mood and you are unsure how to help him or her? According to the Singapore Mental Health Study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health Study in 2016, depression was the most common mental disorders affecting 6.3% of the adult population in Singapore. This means that one in 16 people in Singapore would experience depression at some point in their lifetime. In recent times, it is reported that more people are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts amid the Covid-19 pandemic (The Straits Times, 16 Mar 2021). In the same article, mental health professionals shared that they have been attending to more mental health cases over the past year. The pain experienced by depressed individuals is real. The mental anguish can be more difficult to bear than physical pain. Those who are depressed need the support and understanding of their family members, friends and the community. As we and our loved ones may experience depressed mood at one point or another, it is important that we know more about depression and how to cope with it during such episodes.

Christians know the importance of loving one another and listening to the psychological needs of those who are facing difficult times is one way of demonstrating love. They desire to show care and concern to fellow believers and become more effective listeners. To be effective people helpers, believers need to understand the challenges weighing on the shoulders of those they support. People in need of help must feel comfortable relating their concerns to believers. This is achieved when believers demonstrate knowledge and skills in listening and show interest in others’ wellbeing. Some believers would also like to encourage other believers with the Word of God, but they find this difficult due to cold responses and rejections from others. Perhaps, their adopted approach has become less relevant or has even resulted in some misunderstandings despite believers having a kind intention. If these are some of the experiences you have encountered while ministering to others, this workshop that equips you with foundational counselling skills of active listening could be for you.

Have you felt helpless when someone tells you about his or her problems? Or have you ever wondered how to help someone who is having difficulties making changes to his or her life? In this workshop, participants will learn practical strength-based counselling strategies to motivate people they care for within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. The techniques taught in this skill-based workshop are drawn from prominent counselling approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) are counselling skills commonly used by professional counsellors and psychologists. Case studies and instructional videos will be used in this workshop to illustrate how to use these motivational techniques.

Conflict is inevitable in the context of limited resources, differences in opinions, and differences in goals and values. The way out of conflictual situations is not to turn it into a battleground, but for the conflicting parties to sit down to negotiate for an amicable outcome. Undoubtedly, conflict causes stress to the parties involved. It results in body pains and aches, and in many cases, conflicting parties do not find peace and sleep problems become an issue. As conflict takes a toll on one’s physical and emotional health, it is recommended that one learns to skilfully resolve conflicts at work and home through negotiation. Negotiation is not merely a science, but it is an art that requires practice. In this workshop you will learn some principles of negotiation and its process to resolve future conflict. Everyone aspires to experience peace and happiness at home and work. These aspirations do not always come naturally to many of us. However, these skills of negotiation can be developed with effort and practice. Let this workshop be the first step in that process.

One in seven people in Singapore experience significant mental ill health. The latest Singapore National Mental Health survey in 2016 reports that generalised anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder have been on the rise. This is made more severe as COVID-related stress and anxiety continue to rise. However, the stigma and shame associated with having mental ill health prevents people from getting the professional help they need. This is a worrying trend as delayed treatment has consistently resulted in more severe problems for individuals and their families. This workshop aims to reduce the stigma of those who are suffering by dispelling myths about common mental health disorders. Your participation in this workshop will increase your confidence in relating to people with mental ill health and contribute to making our community a more compassionate one for all.