Service Spotlight: Flourishing Minds – pulling the brakes on mental health stigmas

Ms Vivyan Chee, Deputy Director and Head of FM, tells us more about the mental health work carried out by Children’s Society.

What are the strategies of early interventions for poor mental health carried out by Flourishing Minds?

We promote mental health literacy through dedicated workshops for children and youth aged 10 to 14 and parents of children aged 7 to 14. These workshops focus on reducing stigma and equip youth with the knowledge and skills to care for their own and others’ mental health. We work closely with parents and caregivers to help them understand the mental health challenges their children may face and how to provide support at home.

A key part of our early intervention strategy is the where youth can have a 30-minute confidential conversation with a trained professional in person, via call or through WhatsApp. During these sessions, we use a screening tool to better understand their current state and offer immediate support or referrals if necessary. This service is now available across six of our service centres.

We also offer brief interventions for youth showing signs of distress. These interventions are designed to be approachable and practical, helping youth understand their mental health, build coping skills and develop resilience. We work closely with families, recognising that when parents understand mental health challenges, they are better equipped to support their children in seeking and continuing care.

How does Flourishing Minds provide essential care to youth with mild to moderate mental health symptoms?

We understand that many youth hesitate to seek help, believing their struggles are personal or “not serious enough.” To break down these barriers, we offer discreet, accessible services where youth can reach out conveniently and confidentially. By working closely with families, schools, community agencies and national initiatives like Beyond the Label, we are normalising mental health conversations and embedding our services in the spaces youth already trust.

What does Flourishing Minds hope to achieve through their services?

We aim to create a lasting impact on youth mental health and wellbeing. We go beyond symptom relief, focusing on building lifelong resilience and empowering youth to navigate their mental health challenges with confidence. Our services foster stronger communication between youth and key adults in their lives—parents, teachers and caregivers—to ensure a community of care and support around every youth.

By empowering both youth and families, we aim to contribute to a cultural shift where mental health support is normalised and accessible for everyone.

What are Flourishing Minds’ future goals?

Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our reach and supporting more youth and families. We plan to deepen our engagement with community partners to provide integrated care that addresses mental health and physical health equally. Our goal is to broaden the reach of our Mental Health Check-in service, making it easier for youth to access support in ways that are comfortable for them. Additionally, we will continue collaborating with families to develop more tailored resources that address their unique needs.

In the future, we envision Flourishing Minds becoming a central hub for youth mental health, where young people and their families can access a continuum of care, from early intervention to more intensive support. Together, we can ensure that no one feels alone in their mental health journey.