Starbucks Singapore and AIC Collaborate to Promote Mental Wellness on World Mental Health Day

In a meaningful collaboration with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Starbucks Singapore is extending an invitation to customers across the nation to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2023, at all Starbucks stores. This joint effort is just one of several initiatives aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to prioritize mental well-being, both for themselves and their loved ones, as well as offering support to those facing mental health challenges. Starbucks firmly believes that every individual can play a vital role in fostering a supportive and caring community.

Kindness in Every Cup

During your next visit to your local Starbucks store, a simple act of kindness can go a long way. Customers are encouraged to greet their baristas with questions like “How’s your day?” or offer a compliment such as “You’re doing great today!” In return, customers can redeem a set of limited-edition pins and stickers adorned with two endearing characters, Muffinsaurs and Brave. These pins and stickers are not only adorable but also feature uplifting messages like “Thank you for listening to me!” and “I’m here for you!” The act of sharing these tokens of kindness with baristas serves as a poignant reminder that mental wellness is a shared responsibility, and small gestures can make a big difference.

The Muffinsaurs pins and stickers will be available on 10 October 2023 at all Starbucks stores with any purchase, while stocks last.

Mental Wellness Starts with Partners

The importance of mental health awareness has grown significantly, especially in the post-pandemic world. Starbucks Singapore has made it a top priority to foster connection and engagement among its partners (employees) within an inclusive and positive work environment. In the past year, Starbucks enhanced its employee benefits by adding more mental wellness programs, including training and certification for managers to offer mental health support to employees and colleagues. Additionally, medical support for employees now includes coverage for psychological or psychiatric care.

To date, Starbucks has sent a total of 198 managers, both corporate and frontliners, to attend a two-day mental wellness course known as WSQ-Certified Training in Peer-to-Peer Mental Well-Being Support at Work Course. This training equips them with basic psychological first aid skills to provide mental well-being support to colleagues and peers in distress. Starbucks is committed to continuing these efforts by sending more managers for training and incorporating the course into the brand’s official training program for new managers in 2024.

The Starbucks Foundation’s Grant to The Salvation Army

The Starbucks Foundation is dedicated to enhancing humanity and transforming lives worldwide, with a particular focus on building community resiliency, prosperity, and uplifting communities. This year, the foundation has awarded a Global Community Impact Grant to The Salvation Army, with a specific focus on mental health awareness and support. The grant will provide support to The Salvation Army’s FireFLY program, designed to strengthen the self-esteem, identity, and self-worth of young individuals who have experienced trauma. By helping these youth build greater resilience, the program aims to empower them to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Salvation Army currently supports several hundred children and youth under their care, both in their community and at residential services, helping them navigate their mental health challenges. Remarkably, this marks Starbucks’ 20th consecutive year of collaboration with The Salvation Army. In line with the heightened focus on mental wellness this year, Starbucks will channel 100% of the sales proceeds from the annual Starbucks Christmas Open House in December towards The Salvation Army’s mental wellness initiatives.