SINGAPORE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE IN
SOCIAL PRESCRIBING
Mapping Community Connections: How Informal Assets Support Active Ageing
For many seniors, retirement can bring uncertainty, especially when health challenges disrupt long-established routines. For Mdm Tan, the transition was particularly difficult. After a period of hospitalisation and the realisation that she could no longer continue working, she found herself wondering how she would spend her retirement years.
Today, however, Mdm Tan has found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging through a vibrant community space just a short walk from her home.
Accompanied by Caral Goh, a Wellbeing Coordinator from SingHealth Community Hospitals, Mdm Tan makes her way to the 107A Jalan Bukit Merah Community Space, a bustling neighbourhood hub where residents gather for activities, exercise sessions, food distribution programmes and social interaction.
For Mdm Tan, these opportunities are more than just activities. They are an important source of social connection and support.
"When she realised she could not continue working, she was worried about how she was going to spend her retirement," Caral explained. "Having access to community assets and activities is very important."
Asset Mapping
Finding the right community resource, however, required looking beyond conventional services. While the nearest Active Ageing Centre was available, it was located some distance away and required crossing an open carpark, which posed safety concerns for Mdm Tan.
An open carpark along Mdm Tan's route to the nearest Active Ageing Centre. (Image: SCOMP)
Through community asset mapping, Caral identified a nearby pavilion that was more accessible and better suited to her needs. Although informal and not listed on conventional directories such as Google Maps, the space had become a valuable gathering point for residents.
"It has a very kampong vibe," Caral said.
Resident-Led Community Space
The community space traces its beginnings back to Mother's Day in 2011, when residents came together with a simple goal: to support elderly neighbours and low-income families in the area. Recognising the strong bonds that already existed among long-time residents, volunteers began preparing and sharing meals with those in need.
Having grown up in the neighbourhood, Mr Goh, Community Animator for the 107A Jalan Bukit Merah Community Space, says that residents from different backgrounds naturally looked out for one another.
Mr Goh sharing the vision behind the resident-led initiative. (Image: SCOMP)
"People of all races get along very well," he said. "It has a village atmosphere. In English, we call this the kampong spirit."
Over the years, that vision has expanded beyond meal programmes. Today, the community space hosts a range of activities designed to bring residents together, encourage active ageing and foster stronger social connections. According to Mr Goh, plans are also underway to organise monthly outings to gardens, parks and local attractions, giving seniors opportunities to remain engaged with the wider community.
Residents participating in an exercise session at the community space. (Image: SCOMP)
The Living Asset Map (LAMP)
"Informal assets can be just as valuable as formal assets," Caral said.
The success of the space highlights the importance of having a platform to share informal community assets with a wider audience.
This is where the LAMP, developed by SingHealth Community Hospitals and the Singapore Land Authority, comes in. By identifying and documenting these resources, the platform enables community partners to better connect residents to support networks and meaningful activities close to home.
Recording a community asset in LAMP. (Image: SCOMP)
Through controlled crowdsourcing and geospatial mapping powered by OneMap, LAMP maintains an up-to-date database of local assets, including ground-up and resident-led initiatives such as the 107A Jalan Bukit Merah Community Space.
A Community Worth Returning To
For Mdm Tan, the impact is already evident. As she chats with familiar faces at the community space, it is clear that what began as a nearby pavilion has become something much more significant.
Mdm Tan (left) with Caral Goh (right) at the community space. (Image: SCOMP)
Before leaving, Caral asks if she will continue coming back.
"Yes," Mdm Tan replied with a smile.
In that simple answer lies the true measure of a successful community: a place where connections are built, support is shared and the kampong spirit continues to thrive.
For more information about LAMP, click here.