Healing through art therapy.
The Red Pencil has grown significantly since 2011; tell us how it started?
The inspiration grew from my overwhelming encounters with French-speaking patients, many of them children, who were treated in Singapore after the tsunami in 2004. With the aid of art therapy, the children recovered quickly from the trauma, which demonstrated and confirmed to me how powerful art therapy can be. In those circumstances I could see it was truly life changing.
It led me to decide to find a way to reach out to many more people; not only those I could see myself in my studio. The Red Pencil was founded in 2011 with the key mission to support children, adults and families in overwhelming situations for which they have no words to convey their pain – particularly those afflicted by long-term hospitalisation, disability and trauma.
Up until 2012 I worked independently but have since gathered a small team together and now we have a team of 12: seven in Singapore, two in Geneva, one in India, one in France, and one in Belgium. In 2013, I started The Red Pencil International and opened an office in Geneva; this was the springboard to commence work in natural disaster and conflict areas. This year we expect to open an office in Dubai.
What would you say is the impact of The Red Pencil?
Art therapy is appropriate in any situation where people find it difficult to verbalise what they are going through and how they feel about it; it’s essentially an alternative way to express what they need to without words. As I experienced with the children after the tsunami, it is among young people where the impact is most apparent. I firmly believe in the power of art therapy to rebuild lives and create positive futures. To date, more than 12,000 people have received the direct benefits, along with their families and communities
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من EL Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من EL Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Ankle Agony!
Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.
A Sustainability Journey
Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.
Start the Day Right
Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.
Cool & Classy
Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.
Smiles for Miles!
Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.
Profile: Danielle Van de Velde
Tapping into Singapore's spiritual side.
Walking to Help: The MacRitchie Challenge
Since early 2023, British expat TOM PLATTS has been doing a great job raising money for the Singapore charity Dementia Singapore. What's even more impressive is that he's done it in a healthy, social and fun way!