Food and beverage (F&B) operators can now access a new six-month peer support programme to address industry-specific mental health challenges.
The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), in collaboration with the PAP Mental Health Group, Silver Ribbon (Singapore), and Total Wellness Initiative Singapore (TWIS), developed this Makan Buddies programme to enhance mental wellness in the F&B sector.
The programme matches operators with peers who run similar businesses, enabling them to share experiences and strategies for managing mental health challenges. Participants also have access to digital wellness tools for ongoing support.
RAS, which represents approximately half of Singapore’s restaurants and food outlets, brings together over 500 members operating 800 F&B brands across 5,000 outlets.
The initiative was launched at Orchid Country Club during an industry networking session on World Mental Health Day, October 10.
Edward Chia, who serves on both the PAP Mental Health Group’s steering committee and the Restaurant Association of Singapore’s management committee, highlighted the challenges faced by F&B operators, particularly owner-operators struggling with rising operational costs, manpower shortage, and increasing customer expectations. Mr Chia is also an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.
“Many feel isolated because they need to put up a strong, stoic front with their team members,” explained Mr Chia, who co-founded Timbre Group in 2005. “Sometimes they just need someone who understands their unique situations—a listening ear who can empathise and act as a supportive friend and sounding board.”
“This programme creates a safe space where operators can confide in each other and discuss their challenges. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about supporting one another. When operators are [mentally] well, they can better care for their employees and continue to provide joy to customers.”
During the six-month programme, buddies follow a TWIS-developed conversation framework. They will cover essential topics like self-care, burnout management, leadership, communication, people management, and financial planning.
The initiative also includes an online toolkit created in partnership with Silver Ribbon (Singapore). This practical resource offers strategies for managing workplace stress. It features real-world scenarios such as handling challenging customer interactions and providing F&B staff with effective approaches to resolve these situations. Besides F&B operators, the toolkit will benefit F&B managers and supervisors.
PAP Mental Health Group will extend mental health support to other sectors
Over the past year, PAP MHG has expanded its reach to 21 community workgroups. This enables broader collaboration with industry partners, mental health experts, and community organisations.
According to PAP MHG co-chairperson Janil Puthucheary, the expansion allows the group to connect the resources with sectors that can benefit from the guidance and support.
Co-chairperson Wan Rizal shared that the group plans to extend its engagement to additional sectors, including sports and healthcare. “We want to partner with sectors who approach us with their specific needs,” he said. “Most importantly, we aim to expand this support network within the framework that the PAP Mental Health Group believes in.”
Dr Wan, who also serves Jalan Besar GRC, outlined the group’s four-goal framework for working with partners. One, implementing a mental health literacy programme to equip parties with proper support knowledge. Two, ensuring accessibility to programme and creating safe spaces for mental health discussions. Third, developing support networks for self-care, and incorporating timeout provisions.
“As the PAP Mental Health Group, we see ourselves as facilitators,” Dr Wan explained. “We encourage ground-up initiatives from various sectors and will support them through our community workgroups, stakeholders, and partners.”
The group has also welcomed four new MPs to its steering committee. They are Charlene Chen, David Hoe, Elysa Chen, and Hamid Razak. This brings the total number of members to 13.
