BRIGHT FUTURES

Youths in Singapore face adversities like neglect, poverty, and school disengagement. They have also been increasingly vulnerable to mental health issues, poor digital well-being, social reclusiveness, and misuse of prescribed drugs over the past decade, says Narasimman “Narash” s/o Tivasiha Mani.

- Narasimman s/o Tivasiha Mani by Adora Wong

It was while working at the Singapore Boys' Hostel and Community Rehabilitation Centre that he witnessed both the transformative power of institutional support and its rapid decline once a young person exits the system.

So, he left a stable naval career in 2017 to co-found Impart, a charity that supports youths in adversity.

At Impart, education, mental health, and community services are woven into a social prescription model that goes beyond traditional medical or counselling referrals. Through academic mentoring and sports group therapy, youths are "prescribed" nonclinical interventions to meet their emotional, psychological, and developmental needs holistically.

"We recognise that healing and growth don't just happen in therapy rooms, but also in classrooms, gyms, boxing rings, and everyday relationships," Narash explains.