SEPTEMBER 2021 — For this altruistic volunteer, helping others is a way of life. At only 19, his drive to inspire change has already left a significant social impact.
Home Visits That Change Lives
Lionel Cheah, a Year 1 Diploma in Business (DBIZ) student, has been an active volunteer in the community since 2019. Currently pursuing the Social Enterprise specialisation track of his diploma course, his experience in RP aligns perfectly with his passion for helping others.
A committed and passionate individual, he helms far-reaching initiatives and works alongside welfare organisations to help seniors in the community.
The organisations he has supported include Humanist Society (Singapore), HealthServe, Youth Corps Singapore (YCS), Silver Generation Office, Brahm Centre @ Simei, Happy Club TPP, Yew Tee Youth Network, and Project Borderless.
His tireless endeavours address a wide range of needs for Singapore’s seniors. This includes promoting health and oral hygiene, sharing social assistance schemes, and advocating digital engagement — a critical step to establishing positive interactions with their beneficiaries.
Lionel (far right in image) debriefing volunteers about senior engagement at Let's Be Health-Teeth 2020. This meaningful activity was organised by YCS Eldercare Cluster in collaboration with Lions Befrienders.
Volunteering to Pay It Forward
A firm believer that everyone can play a part to uplift the well-being of the overall community, Lionel encourages others to keep championing human connections, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly.
He believes that we should repay the contributions made by those who came before us as they deserve to enjoy their golden years with dignity and grace. “We should give others the experience we want ourselves,” he advises.
It’s not just public advocacy that Lionel champions, either. “Caring for other seniors also lets us care for our own grandparents and parents better,” he shares, emphasising the importance of following through with positive habits at home.
Lionel’s work with the Silver Generation Office as a Silver Ambassador has led to him bridging the gap between welfare and community care services, government initiatives, and seniors.
In the course of volunteering, he spends time establishing personal connections. Meeting seniors as friends helps him to navigate more serious topics, such as social assistance and government schemes. If more help is needed, he is happy to provide — from cleaning homes, to installing wheelchair ramps, to providing guidance on improving quality of life.
Always eager to inspire others and encourage volunteerism, Lionel hopes that aspiring volunteers will forge ahead and embark on similar journeys like him.
If you have a social cause you resonate with, do pursue it!
Lionel Cheah
Year 1
Diploma in Business
School of Management and Communication
Lionel (top right in image) and fellow volunteers facilitating a Zumba workout for seniors at the Humanist Society Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations