A collaboration harnessing the power of community connection to advance inclusion and mental wellbeing.

 

Singapore, 6 May 2026 — SPD and Samaritans of Singapore today established a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch SparkAbility 2026: A Walk for Change, an inaugural charity walk that brings together the disability community and individuals impacted by suicide and emotional crisis in a shared commitment to inclusion, resilience, and care.

Set to take place on Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 8:00am to 12:00pm at The Meadows at Gardens by the Bay, the event will be graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.

SparkAbility 2026 brings together two established social service agencies and their respective signature charity walks – the SPD Ability Walk and SOS’ Spark the Change Fest – into a single landmark event.

More than a fundraising event, SparkAbility seeks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of inclusion and suicide prevention, anchored in the belief that strong, inclusive communities are a vital form of prevention – fostering connection, reducing isolation, and supporting individuals well before distress escalates into crisis.

Persons with disabilities often face physical, social and attitudinal barriers that limit participation and leads to isolation. Likewise, individuals experiencing suicide ideation may struggle silently without timely support. By bringing these communities together in a shared, visible act of solidarity, SparkAbility aims to foster earlier connection, mutual understanding and collective care.

SparkAbility reflects the lived realities of both individuals navigating disability and struggling with suicide ideation.

One such individual is Ms Regina Lim (*not her real name) who had struggled with undiagnosed depression and anxiety. During a period of deep emotional difficulty while still working in the healthcare sector, the 25-year-old fell from height last May and sustained a spinal cord injury. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at SPD’s Rehabilitation Services, her journey involves not only physical recovery, but also adjusting to the sudden loss of independence. With the support of her loved ones and an allied health team, Ms Lim is gradually rebuilding her confidence and sense of purpose. She has since taken up swimming and table tennis, and begun exploring home-based part-time work, taking steady steps towards reclaiming her independence.

Another individual, Ms Cheryl Tan, a customer service associate at a public transport operator, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and now relies on a wheelchair for mobility. Formerly a pastry chef, the 34-year-old faced significant emotional distress and uncertainty in the early days of her diagnosis, with moments where she struggled to see a way forward. Drawing strength from her mother, and support from different circles of friends, she persevered. As a former client of SPD’s Employment Support Programme, Ms Tan rebuilt her confidence through meaningful employment, peer support, and the steady encouragement of her family. Together, these support systems have enabled her to adapt to a new chapter in life with resilience and dignity.

“Inclusion is not just about access – it is about belonging. For many persons with disabilities, social isolation remains a real challenge. SparkAbility is about changing that by bringing people together in a meaningful way. Our partnership with SOS reflects a shared commitment to building communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive,” said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, CEO of SPD.

SparkAbility 2026 will bring together individuals, families, corporates, and community groups to walk side by side – across abilities, experiences, and backgrounds – symbolising a collective commitment to building a more caring and connected society.

“At SOS, we often meet individuals at their most vulnerable moments. But prevention can start much earlier; with being seen, being heard, and knowing that someone cares. SparkAbility reflects our belief that our communities can be a powerful first line of support. By partnering with SPD, we are strengthening community care so that people do not have to struggle in silence, and support begins long before a crisis,” said Mr Terry Siow, CEO of SOS.

Designed as an inclusive, accessible event, the walk allows participants to engage at their own pace, reinforcing the message that everyone has a role to play in creating a more caring and connected society.

Join us at SparkAbility 2026: A Walk for Change and take a step towards building a more inclusive and caring society. Whether you are walking, fundraising, or supporting as a partner, your involvement helps ensure that persons with disabilities are included and that individuals struggling with suicide are met with timely care and support.

Sign up, donate, or explore how you can get involved at www.sparkability.org.sg.

About SPD
Established in 1964, SPD is a Singapore charity dedicated to enabling people with disabilities, as well as those who may develop disabling conditions, to live independently and participate fully in society. Originally founded to serve people with physical disabilities, SPD has since grown to provide a wide range of services, including early intervention, day care, senior care, day rehabilitation, assistive technology, employment and educational support, community activities and lifelong learning, case management and caregiver support. Through these efforts, SPD supports people of all ages with different disabilities to thrive in school, at work and in daily life within mainstream society.

For more information, please visit www.spd.org.sg.

About SOS
Founded in 1969, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) is dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to individuals facing a crisis, thinking about suicide, or affected by suicide. Non-religious and not-for-profit, SOS focuses on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. It provides 24-hour emotional support and works to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advance evidence-based research relating to suicide and mental health.

For more information, please visit www.sos.org.sg.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Jon Ho

Assistant Manager, Communications, Samaritans of Singapore 

E: JonathanHo@sos.org.sg

Gordon Ho

Manager, Digital and Outreach, Community Partnerships, SPD

E: Gordon_HO@spd.org.sg