Starbucks Singapore is marking World Mental Health Month this October by encouraging customers to take time to pause, reflect and connect while supporting local mental wellness initiatives.
The coffee chain will build on its weekly Slowdown Hours initiative and partner with The Salvation Army and Gardens by the Bay to raise awareness and contribute to programmes supporting mental wellness in Singapore.
Starbucks introduced Slowdown Hours in July 2026 as a weekly ritual designed to encourage customers to take an intentional break from their busy routines. Held every Wednesday at 3pm, the initiative creates a more relaxed atmosphere in Starbucks coffeehouses through softer lighting and a curated soundtrack. Customers are also offered a Slowdown Card with prompts for reflection, conversation or quiet observation.
The initiative is intended to reinforce Starbucks’ role as a “Third Place”, providing customers with a comfortable environment outside home and work where they can pause, connect and spend time reflecting.
During October, Slowdown Hours will also support The Salvation Army’s mental wellness programmes. For every drink purchased at participating Starbucks Singapore stores on 7, 14, 21 and 28 October between 3pm and 4pm, Starbucks will contribute 50 cents to The Salvation Army’s mental wellness programmes supporting children, youth and the elderly.
The contribution applies to all handcrafted drink sizes for both in store purchases and Mobile Order & Pay.
Starbucks Singapore and The Salvation Army have worked together for 23 years. All sales proceeds from Starbucks Christmas Open House have been donated to The Salvation Army, with recent contributions directed towards mental wellness initiatives. Starbucks Global Community Impact Grants have also previously supported The Salvation Army’s Reignite and FireFLY programmes, which focus on fostering resilience and self-worth among youths affected by trauma.
Starbucks Singapore is also continuing its mental wellness efforts through its Community Store at Gardens by the Bay. As the brand’s first Community Store in Singapore, Starbucks Active Garden aims to provide a space where people can connect while supporting local community and mental wellness initiatives through its partnership with Gardens by the Bay.
The outdoor space features information on self-care tips and mental wellness resources. Since the store opened in 2024, Starbucks Singapore has also contributed to the Gift of Gardens programme as part of the Starbucks Foundation’s Global Community Impact Grants.
This year, Starbucks Singapore is contributing US$25,000 to the Gift of Gardens programme, with the funds directed towards mental wellness causes within the community.
The Community Store also contributes proceeds from every beverage sold towards workshops and activities for beneficiaries and caregivers from organisations supporting mental wellness. Activities include aromatherapy and journaling workshops conducted by Gardens by the Bay volunteers, as well as coffee appreciation sessions led by Starbucks baristas at the Community Store.
Through its October initiatives, Starbucks Singapore is using its coffeehouses and community partnerships to encourage customers to make time for themselves while contributing to organisations and programmes focused on mental wellness in Singapore.
