On 6 July 2026, Anders (aged 18) headed down to Launchpad: Central Region* — an inaugural networking session that brought together youth-serving agencies, community partners, and practitioners to discuss the issues young people are facing today and how everyone can work together to help. 

Held at Hut of Kasih Sayang (Community Space) @ Kampong Kapor Community Service’s Family Service Centre from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, the event gave organisations and youth participants a chance to connect, exchange insights, and strengthen the support available to youths in the community.

Looking back on the experience, Anders shared:

Here's what else stood out to him:

What makes youth engagement work

• Creating a safe space where youths feel comfortable opening up.

• Building real rapport — not by trying to act like a youth to "fit in," but by just being natural and honest.

• Getting the word out through social media, and through events. For example, talking about Singapore Children’s Forum right after a Singapore Children’s Society event, when the youths you want to reach are already in the room.

• Actively encouraging youths to get involved, in two ways:

  • For newer youths: more hands-on support, like a buddy system.

  • For more experienced youths: more room to take the lead themselves, like advocacy opportunities.

Barriers youths face

• Social media can chip away at real-life communication and support systems.

• It also opens the door to scams and predatory behaviour.

• It fuels unrealistic comparisons, unhealthy expectations, and a steady stream of bad news.

• Many youths still find it hard to reach out for mental health support.

What youths need — and the challenges in the way

• Youths need strong support systems where they feel genuinely heard and supported. Through empathetic listening and collaborative problem-solving, they can build the confidence and resilience to navigate challenges.

• Many youths appear unwilling to improve their situations, but this often stems from environments that undermine their confidence. Over time, this can create a cycle of self-blame, anxiety, low self-esteem, and inaction.

• Every person has equal worth, yet many youths internalise the belief that they must be "more" of something to deserve love. This shifts their focus from pursuing meaningful lives to seeking validation, making their self-worth dependent on external factors.

• Adults should acknowledge the insights gained from their longer life experiences, while recognising that meaningful guidance comes from understanding and adapting to the evolving realities of young people.

• Neither adults nor youths have all the answers. Through honest communication and shared problem-solving, they can better navigate challenges together.

*Launchpad: Central Region was organised by six Social Service Agencies in the Central region: AWWA Family Service Centre, Care Corner Family Service Centre, Kampong Kapor Community Services, REACH Family Service Centre, Viriya Community Services and Singapore Children's Society. Through meaningful conversations and networking, participants exchanged ideas on how to better respond to the evolving needs of youths and work together to create a positive impact.