tag:peatix.com,2011:1 2022-05-23T04:08:51+08:00 Peatix readcomics@differenceengine.sg tag:peatix.com,2022:event-3232738 2022-05-19T19:15:00SGT 2022-05-19T19:15:00SGT

Mental health can be a challenging arena to navigate. Stigmas and myths, reinforced over generations, have made it difficult for a lot of people to broach the topic, let alone speak honestly about it. Worlds Apart: A Conversation About Mental Health looks to address this and provide a stepping stone for readers to bring mental health realities into the light of day. Join writer Wayne Rée and illustrator Nurjannah Suhaimi as they share their experiences and inspirations creating this comic book, and how the book can be a tool to encourage people to have more conversations about mental health issues. We’re also pleased to welcome guest speaker Deborah Chen from Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), who will share more about mental health resources, and how to facilitate a culture of openness and care. More information about the donation drive can be found below.About the Book It’s been a while since you caught up with Charissa. You finally – finally! – find the time to meet your friend for coffee, but after the usual pleasantries, she opens up to you.She’s been diagnosed with depression. A moment like this can feel like a fork in the road. Will it lead to an emotionally rewarding conversation or… cause a lot of confusion and awkwardness?Many of us still largely choose not to talk about mental health – and that often breeds misconceptions and social stigma. Join Charissa as she guides you through these unfamiliar territories and terrains that can be difficult to navigate.Let the conversation begin.Find out more about the book here: bit.ly/WorldsApartMH This is an in-person event with on-site book sales of Worlds Apart: A Conversation About Mental Health. There will be opportunities to speak with creators Wayne and Nurjannah at the end of the event, as well as get their autographs.  Event Admission & Donation Difference Engine is partnering with Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to raise funds for mental health services. We will match, dollar-for-dollar, all ticketing proceeds from this event (after a 5% cut per ticket from Peatix), and donate these funds to the Singapore Association for Mental Health. This sum will further be matched dollar-for-dollar by Tote Board's Enhanced Fund Raising Programme at the end of the Financial Year 2022.  Your support will enable SAMH to provide rehabilitative, outreach, and creative services and programmes to persons with mental health issues, and aid their recovery and reintegration back into the community. It will also contribute to raising public awareness about mental well-being and resilience, and promote acceptance and respect for persons who face mental health difficulties. To learn more about Singapore Association for Mental Health, head to this website: www.samhealth.org.sg.   About the Speakers Wayne Rée is the writer of Worlds Apart: A Conversation about Mental Health. He is also the co-creator of the upcoming prose/comics mash-up, Work-Life Balance. His work’s been included in several fiction publications, most notably Infinite Worlds Magazine and LONTAR: The Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction. He is also the co-creator of the narrative podcast, Ghost Maps.Nurjannah Suhaimi is the illustrator of Worlds Apart: A Conversation about Mental Health. She is a designer based in Singapore, and a visual communications graduate from Nanyang Technological University, the School of Art, Design, Media. As a self-motivated and proactive person, she takes pride in being able to adapt in stressful situations, and is always seeking new experiences to keep her on her toes!Deborah Chen began her journey with Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in 2011, as one of the pioneers of SAMH Creative Services. Over the years, she has come to bear witness and devote her practice to how the arts can improve mental health. Her clinical practise allows her to journey with youths and adults from diverse backgrounds. She also supports SAMH in developing and enhancing donor and volunteer engagement. Deborah is a nature lover and enjoys engaging in various art and sporting activities. She has a Master in Art Therapy and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Visual Communications.Please email us at readcomics@differenceengine.sg if you have any questions or accessibility requirements.---