The festive shopping season is upon us, with sales for Singles’ Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in full swing. Everyone loves a good deal – but how do you know you’re getting value for money? From comparing prices and making use of loyalty programmes, to buying in bulk and choosing quality over quantity, we share six tips for bagging a bargain and making smarter shopping decisions. 

1. Buy the best-quality items you can afford

Just because something is cheap, it doesn’t mean it’s a good buy. When you come across something you need or want that’s low-priced, check its quality first. Is it well-made? Can you see yourself using it for a long time? It’s also a good idea to read reviews of the product and to ask the retailer or manufacturer if the item comes with a warranty. 

Examples of poor-quality items include clothing that’s badly stitched and made from cheap materials that fade or shrink after a couple of washes; toys that break easily; electrical items that have a poor battery life or slow performance or that are unreliable; and furniture that’s badly designed or constructed. If you end up having to discard these products shortly after you’ve bought them, then you’re wasting your money. 

Where possible, go for top-quality products that are well-designed and crafted from good materials, says Ow Tai Zhi, the co-founder and chief investment officer for robo-advisory platform AutoWealth. 

“In some cases, quality items can be a smarter financial choice. Think of them as an investment. They may cost you a bit more, but they’re likely to last longer and be more reliable, so they’re money well-spent.”

2. Only buy what you need at the sales

Sales can be a good opportunity to save money, but Tai Zhi warns against filling your cart just because those items have been marked down. Instead, ask yourself whether you really need them. If you do, then go ahead and stock up on them. Smart buys may include toiletries and personal care items, household products and pantry staples – things that you use and buy regularly. 

“We often trick ourselves into thinking we’re saving money when we purchase products that are on sale, but if you don’t need those items then you’re just throwing your money away,” Tai Zhi adds. 

Get more tips on how to shop smarter at sales.

3. Delay big purchases

There are few things worse than splurging on a big-ticket item like a fridge, smart TV, computer, bed or sofa, only to regret your decision a few days later. 

When it comes to making such major purchases, Tai Zhi advises you to think carefully first and to resist the urge to get the item as quickly as possible.   

“You want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely, so ask yourself if the item is really worth it and perhaps look around for a better deal. You may end up deciding that you don’t need or want it, or you may come across a lower price elsewhere.”

4. Compare deals from different sellers or retailers

No matter how much an item costs, it pays to shop around, says Tai Zhi. If you’re on the hunt for a specific product, find out how much it costs across various retailers and sellers. You never know – it may be much cheaper elsewhere. 

Additionally, if you notice that the product you want is cheaper at a particular store, ask if you can get a refund on the difference from a competing store that’s selling the same item. That way, you’ll know you’re getting the best deal possible. 

5. Use cashback, reward and loyalty programmes

“Sign up for credit card reward programmes or cashback offers to maximise the value on the purchases you’d make anyway,” Tai Zhi says. 

He explains that there are typically two categories of rewards:

Cashback: This gives you back a percentage of your spending (typically 1% to 5%). Higher cashback credit cards usually come with strict conditions.

Mileage rewards: Earn miles whenever you spend and redeem them the next time you travel. This is a good option for people who travel overseas frequently.  

Many retailers also have loyalty programmes that award you points when you shop. Depending on the programme, points that you’ve earned can later be converted to shopping vouchers or discounts. This is ideal if you shop regularly at that particular retailer.   

If you’re a SAFRA member, you can also save extra money by taking advantage of the various promotions online at safra.sg/promotions. Get great deals at restaurants, hotels, gyms, spas, malls, sportswear retailers, tech retailers, and more.  

Learn how you can make using your credit card more rewarding for the whole family.

6. Buy more, save more

Cut your spending with “buy more, save more” deals. Sometimes, retailers offer discounts if you purchase more than one of the same or a similar item. The more you buy, the bigger the discount. This is especially useful if you use that particular product regularly and have a reason to purchase it in bulk. 

Group-buy or collective-buy deals are another way to get a great bargain, as they help reduce costs for the retailer or manufacturer. Group buying involves several people banding together to place bulk orders for certain products. Group-buy deals are often available for groceries, electronics, home appliances, and furniture. 

Here are more shopping hacks to maximise your savings.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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Maybe you’ve been hoping to upgrade your home, but with housing prices at an all-time high, perhaps you could consider refreshing your current home instead.

There are many ways to give your home a completely new or updated look without renovating it or hiring an interior designer (or even having any interior design skills yourself).

Whether it’s investing in products to make a space more functional or beautiful, adding new design elements to breathe new life into a room, or replacing the old and tired with something modern and fresh, the possibilities are endless. And they needn’t burn a hole in your pocket or take much time or effort to implement. 

1. Turn your living room into a home theatre

Make family movie nights more fun and give your living room a more cinema-like feel. To do this, you may want to invest in some comfy cushions – or even massage chairs – and ambient lighting. 

And don’t forget the audio-visual equipment. Samsung Electronics boasts an extensive range of big-screen QLED, OLED and Crystal UHD TVs that will make you feel like you’re a part of what you’re watching. You will also find sound devices like soundbars and sound towers. 

Check out the Samsung-SAFRA Enhanced Partnership Program (EPP) for up to 25% off the latest home entertainment essentials by Samsung Electronics.

Samsung Enhanced Partnership Program (EPP) is an exclusive benefit programme offered to SAFRA members, providing access to Samsung products at special prices. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/samsung. 

Bose also offers award-winning noise-cancellation headphones, along with portable speakers, soundbars, and home theatre systems for an excellent audio experience.

SAFRA members enjoy 12% off regular-priced Bose items at Bose authorised distributor, One Futureworld. Click on safra.sg/promotions/bose-ofw for details. 

2. Bring nature indoors

Adding greenery is an inexpensive and easy way to give your home a fresh look. Flowers and plants are mood boosters, plus, they can have a calming effect. 

Plants that thrive indoors in our tropical climate include monstera, succulents, fiddle leaf, palms, ferns, Bird of Paradise, and orchids. Depending on the size of the pots, you can group a few together in various corners of your home for a visually striking effect. 

Fresh flowers look equally beautiful on tables and kitchen counters. You don’t have to stick them in a vase every time – boxes and baskets make good receptables, too.

SAFRA members, order your flowers through AngelFlorist and enjoy a discount of up to 20%. AngelFlorist offers table arrangements, hand bouquets and more. To enjoy this great deal, click on safra.sg/promotions/AngelFlorist.  

3. Add a picture gallery wall

Blank walls can look a little boring. Give it life by turning it into a display wall for your favourite family or travel photos, artwork, sketches or prints. Use your picture gallery wall to tell a story or enhance the style and character of the room. 

There is a trick to arranging the framed pictures to make them impactful. Instead of placing them here and there, lay out the frames in rows of three, four or five, depending on the size of the wall and the pictures. Position the frames 7.5cm to 15cm between one another from all sides, to prevent the wall from looking cluttered or messy. If your frames are of different sizes, group smaller ones closer together and arrange larger ones with more space between frames. 

Need to add to your picture collection? Firefly Photography is giving SAFRA members 10% off photography packages. Learn more at safra.sg/promotions/firefly-photography-Generic2024. 

4. Convert your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary

If your bedroom looks more like a disaster zone than a place for rest and relaxation, it’s time to change things up. First, do your best to declutter – put items away where they belong and get rid of what you no longer need – and then go to work creating a cosy and comfortable space. 

Add calm-inducing ambient lighting, use a scented candle or an aromatherapy oil diffuser to set a soothing atmosphere, and invest in new bed-linen – choose soft, light and breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and keep you cool at night, like cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo-derived rayon. Finally, layer your bedding with cushions and throws. 

SAFRA members get 20% off cotton bedsheet sets at EKO Home at Bukit Panjang Plaza, or take advantage of the “buy one, get one free” offer on selected bamboo and bamboo cotton items at Linen House at Lot One. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/lot-one-bukit-panjang-plaza. 

5. Change your window treatment

Updating a room’s curtains and blinds can enhance its look in an instant. 

Here are a few suggestions on what to buy, depending on the effect you want. 

Sheer curtains: These provide softness, texture and movement and help to diffuse sunlight coming in from the window. They’re also ideal for layering.

Patterned curtains: Neutral tones are pretty classic, but you may also want to experiment with bold geometric and floral patterns. These help to create an interesting focal point in the room. 

Bamboo or wooden blinds: The natural gaps between the slats allow light to filter through, plus, the style gives your space a warm, organic vibe. 

Textured curtains or roller blinds: Fabrics like velvet, boucle and brocade add interest to the window frame and give the space a luxurious feel. 

6. Reupholster your furniture

If your sofa or dining chairs could do with a refresh but you’d rather not replace them, why not reupholster them instead? 

Reupholstering allows you to keep the shape and style of your furniture, and is more environmentally friendly than replacing the furniture entirely since you’re reducing waste. You also have many options when it comes to colour, texture, material and fabric. 

When selecting the material or fabric, keep in mind factors like durability, comfort and ease of maintenance. For instance, waterproof, stain-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics are ideal if you have pets or young children, and if the furniture is exposed to sunlight, you’ll want to go with a colour-fast fabric to prevent fading. 

Need more ideas? Read on for 8 Affordable Ways to Update Your Home Without Major Renovations.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story! 

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning aren’t exactly novel concepts. However, never in our lifetime has this computational discipline been as compelling as it is today. Ever since ChatGPT’s grand reveal, the field has seen a surge of activity, with many intrepid developers leveraging this newfound capability to reinvent our daily way of life. 

We’ve rounded up 6 AI-integrated online assistants that are intended to uplift your personal and professional productivity. They’re free to use (for now), so why not give them a go?

Create image galleries with Clipchamp

So, you have a bunch of static images, and you want to present them in the most appropriate manner possible. Perhaps it’s for a party, a school project or even a business meeting. Typically, this motion gallery would entail hours of work which will mostly be spent deciding and working on its aesthetic tone, enhancing the clarity of your images and experimenting with your choice of music and style.

Well, Clipchamp by Microsoft has recently introduced a tool that condenses hours of work into minutes. All you need to do is upload the images you want in your gallery, choose one of the few predetermined style options (or have AI pick it for you), determine your video’s duration and you’re done. Now, it isn’t perfect, but it lays a great foundation for you to work and expand on with Clipchamp’s own editing software. 

Sure, you won’t get cinematic videos with this AI tool (or any AI video-editing software available for private use), but it fits the bill if you’re looking to curate a quick and elegant presentation deck. 

Source for images with Microsoft Bing Image Creator

Prior to the advent of commercial AI, most designers depended on stock image libraries as their go-to source for images, videos and other visual content. But most of these image libraries require a paid subscription. This will soon change with the capabilities of Microsoft Bing Image Creator. Better described as a malleable open canvas than a stock image platform, this AI-driven experimental creator utilises pattern-learning to generate countless images inspired by just a simple user prompt. 

Currently free-to-use, this intuitive tool presents limitless opportunities for content creators to decide on the best visual representation of the ideas and vision they want to convey. Just one caveat though: While the AI designer does well to invent caricature art and semi-realistic sketches, it fails to truly mimic real-time photography. 

Alternatively, consider joining SAFRA’s Content Creator Club, a community of photographers, videographers and social media experts looking to refine their craft! Not only do you get discounts on workshops and courses, you’ll also get 50% off SAFRA’s digital darkroom and photo studio booking! 

Make beautiful slides with Slidesgo

Public speaking can be daunting enough without the added pressure of creating a beautiful set of slides to accompany your presentation. And understandably so, as an impressive PowerPoint can knock your audience’s socks off just as much as a poorly designed one can knock you down a peg. Well, with Slidesgo, you may never have to create your own PowerPoint deck ever again.  

It’s really easy to use – simply key in your desired topic, indicate your preferred tone and choose one of many predetermined layouts. In a matter of seconds (literally), you’ll get an entire deck that not just discusses your subject matter, but also breaks it down into sub-points for further elaboration. It may even contribute additional insights or angles that you may not have thought of yourself! 

Finally, an app that lets you spend more time in front of a mirror practising your speech than in front of a computer. 

Do your slides justice with a confident and well-crafted address! Learn from international public speaking champion Darren Tay at Public Speaking Academy on how you can “express to impress”. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off course fees. You can find more information at safra.sg/public-speaking-academy

Write better with QuillBot

Surely, there’s been at least one instance where you’re stuck in your chair staring at a blank page, contemplating how you can reinvent, beautify and enliven an idea with the written word. These episodes will soon became less frequent with the prevalence of online grammar reviewers. 

Quillbot is arguably one of the most successful integrators of AI in an online writing tool. With an interface that is pretty much self-explanatory, it arms you with an effective arsenal brimming with impactful synonyms and syntax recommendations. For less experienced writers who require more than just over-the-top lexicons, QuillBot Flow generates an entire essay framework that elucidates your abstract ideas and concepts into digestible and expandable bits. 

Effective writing skills are still an essential foundation. LCentral at SAFRA Punggol’s curriculum for N1 to P6 students covers literary appreciation, oratory mastery and storytelling. SAFRA members get a one-off 10% discount and priority enrolment. Find out more at safra.sg/lcentral-english

Create a website for your business with Wix AI Website Creator

Creating a website doesn’t have to be a complex matter. Long-time web developer Wix has finally leveraged AI to provide users with an alternative approach to website creation that is both automated and personalised. Almost akin to a patron informing his tailor of his inclinations and preferences, you begin the process by answering a few questions posed by an AI bot, some of which includes your website’s purpose, core functionalities and goals. It will then set up an entire webpage befitting your responses, essentially doing most of the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you’re looking to start up a minimalistic online journal or a fully-fledged digital business, this AI web creation tool ensures that the groundwork is laid out for you to begin your desired venture. 

Get key takeaways with Recall

Imagine having to skim through a 30-page academic paper or a 15-page business proposal just to outline one to two key ideas. Now, imagine doing this exact same thing multiple times. Information-bloat is a very real problem for both students and professionals as it takes away valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere. 

Recall alleviates a lot of this time-dump by succinctly summarising any publication that you may come across online. Input the link and almost instantly, it outlines the key takeaways in point form that makes it easy to absorb and memorise (hence, the name). It also suggests additional readings in the form of embedded links in case you want to explore the subject matter further. 

Honorable Mentions:

Groove to your vibe with Spotify AI DJ

Spotify’s latest feature adds a personalised DJ that operates whenever you need it! It curates a playlist based on your listening history and musical tastes, delivering a balanced mix of familiar tracks and new discoveries for your studious pursuits.

Summarise your notes with Notebook LM

A reinvention of traditional note-taking, Notebook LM utilises AI to summarise your notes into succinct points that spotlight the most crucial learning points. It is also capable of expanding your notes by expounding on the subject matter, as well as generating new ideas for brainstorming.

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post These 6 Free Online AI Tools Can Help You Work Smarter appeared first on eNSMAN.

Looking to do more for society? Do something meaningful with your time and earn karma points by volunteering at these social enterprises. Don’t worry if you’re not a chef – these positions don’t require experience in the kitchen! 

If you’ve got a special skill like photography or marketing, some of them are also looking for skill-based volunteers. Alternatively, you can also donate to support these causes. Your contribution, no matter how small, will be appreciated by the underprivileged in Singapore.

1. Willing Hearts

Talk about social kitchens to volunteer at, and Willing Hearts will probably come to mind. For the uninitiated, Willing Hearts is an organisation that prepares and distributes 5,000 meals across Singapore for the underprivileged. 

You can volunteer as general volunteers, assisting in meal preparation, packing, cleaning, and ad-hoc tasks such as gardening and house-keeping. Alternatively, those with a valid driving licence and their own car can also help to deliver meals island-wide. Every hand makes a difference. 

The kitchen operates daily from 5am to 5pm. Individuals and groups of less than 4 people can walk in. For meal deliveries, you’ll need to arrive at the premises between 7am and 9am. Do note that the minimum commitment is 4 hours.

Volunteers aged 5 and above are welcome, but those aged 5 to 12 need adult supervision. The dress code requires comfortable casual clothing and closed-toe and non-slip shoes for safety.

For more information, visit willinghearts.org.sg/volunteer

2. Dignity Kitchen

Here’s one that’s halal-certified. Dignity Kitchen is like your usual hawker, with a variety of local fare such as wanton mee, claypot rice, rojak, lontong, and nasi padang. The factor that makes it special is that each of the 7 stalls is run by the differently-abled and disadvantaged. 

The social enterprise behind it, Project Dignity, takes care of employing and providing vocational training to a range of people with disabilities and intellectual and social challenges. 

To support them, you can contribute to their Pay-It-Forward programme that feeds the low-income families and individuals around Boon Keng. Buy a meal for someone in need for $5/meal. Contributions can be made directly at 69 Boon Keng Road, or scan the QR code to PayNow the enterprise. 

For more information, visit projectdignity.sg

Read more about Koh Seng Choon, the man behind The Dignity Kitchen.

3. The Social Kitchen

Singapore’s first social enterprise cloud kitchen, The Social Kitchen, provides employment to folks from any background or who hold any form of disability. You can support them by dining at one of its many outlets, each a tie up with different establishments like Xi Yan and Gila Makan. The latter is halal-certified and located at YMCA of Singapore in Orchard. You can expect dishes like Gila Beef Noodle Soup ($11.90) and Gila Nasi Goreng ($13.90). 

If you’ve got a party or event happening, kill two birds with one stone by catering bento boxes from The Social Kitchen. There are even halal and plant-based options for those with dietary requirements, with prices starting from $12/set. You’ll have to order a minimum of 20 sets per menu. 

For more information, visit thesocialkitchen.com.sg

4. Krsna’s Free Meals

Krsna’s Free Meals provides a safe space and free meals for our migrant workers. The soup kitchen invites volunteers to help prepare meals for breakfast and lunch every day, with tasks like packing meals, cutting vegetables, and sweeping the floor after service. 

Breakfast shifts run from 6.30am to 9am, and lunch shifts from 9.30am to 2.30pm, seven days a week, including public holidays. Recently in August, they’ve started offering dinner shifts from 7pm to 9pm, Monday through Saturday. Timings are flexible, and there’s no minimum commitment required, making it easy to volunteer even if you have a packed schedule.

No specific skills are needed, so you just need to show up with a positive attitude and comfortable, non-slip shoes. If you’re planning to volunteer with your family, know that they accept volunteers as young as 13. Younger volunteers aged 5 to 12 will need a guardian to accompany them. It’s a great way to give back, meet new people, and support a meaningful cause.

For more information, visit krsnasfreemeals.org/donate. You can also email admin@krsnasfreemeals.org for more details regarding sponsorship. 

5. Food from the Heart

Another food social enterprise you may be familiar with is Food from the Heart. It offers plenty of ways for anyone to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Volunteers can get involved in regular programmes like sorting food donations and packing food bundles for distribution. Whether you’re a retiree, student, or working adult, there’s a role for everyone.

Food from the Heart runs programmes such as the Community Food Pack – which sees volunteers distributing fresh fruit, eggs and bread, as well as monthly food packs of non-perishable food items – and The Bread Run programme, where volunteers can deliver safe-for-consumption bread that would otherwise have been thrown away. 

If you’re keen to help out with more specialised skills, Food from the Heart also welcomes volunteers for tasks like graphic design or videography. Organisations and schools can join in too, through corporate volunteer activities or school-based VIA programmes, where students can learn leadership and teamwork.

There’s no minimum commitment, making this perfect for those with varying schedules. 

For more information, visit foodfromtheheart.sg

If you’re looking to contribute groceries to Food From The Heart, save money when you shop at Cold Storage Online. SAFRA members receive 10% off a minimum spend of $80 (capped at $25). For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/cold-storage-online

6. Free Food For All

Here’s another social enterprise to bookmark. Free Food for All is an IPC-registered food charity that aims to address food insecurity in Singapore. They provide access to tasty and nutritious food to vulnerable individuals and families regardless of race, religion, and nationality.

They spearhead various programmes like KidsLuvIt!, a monthly breakfast programme for young children living in rental blocks, designed to provide children from low-income families access to a tasty and nutritious breakfast before school. 

In a collaboration with Chong Pang CC, Free Food For All also started a Community Fridge initiative, which was introduced to bring residents of Yishun fresh and chilled groceries, completely free of charge. The latter is refilled every Friday by Redmart and a dedicated group of recipients-turned-volunteers present to help facilitate the initiative.

Of course, all these initiatives will require support. You can sign up as a skills-based volunteer, contributing your skills in marketing, graphic design, web development, or fundraising, to help. They’re also looking for volunteer fundraisers to help raise funds.

For more information, visit freefood.org.sg or contact Vernon at vernon@freefood.org.sg

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story! 

The post Lend A Hand At These 6 Food Social Enterprises & Kitchens appeared first on eNSMAN.

Being charitable together as a family isn’t just good for the people you’re helping out. It can also bring you and your family members closer together, resulting in stronger family connections. Studies have shown that doing charitable work, such as volunteering and performing acts of kindness, is good for our mental wellbeing. Giving as a family can also impart lessons in empathy, sharing, compassion and understanding. 

There are many ways to help out as a family. These six ideas also make for wonderful bonding experiences. 

1. Volunteer together

There are many charities and social enterprises that could use extra pairs of hands. Make volunteering a family affair by gathering your loved ones and signing up to help at different events or supporting an important cause every couple of months. Whether it’s volunteering at a pet shelter, organising a fundraiser, distributing food to needy Singaporeans, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or supporting programmes that help at-risk youth, the visually handicapped, people with mild intellectual disabilities or low-income families, there’s a lot you can do as a family to make a difference and change lives for the better.   

2. Organise a collection of money, vouchers or goods

Start a fund for a special cause or group that your family can put money towards. Aim to raise a certain amount by a specific date, and then donate the money, or use it to buy shopping vouchers, on behalf of your family.

Your family can also collect gently used or unused clothing, books, toys, stationery, and household items from their friends, neighbours and colleagues and donate them to charity.  

Many charities accept non-perishable groceries and toiletries, so you may want to start a collection for these products, too.

Save money when you shop at Cold Storage Online – SAFRA members receive 10% off a minimum spend of $80 (capped at $25). For more information about this promotion, visit safra.sg/promotions/cold-storage-online

3. Donate blood

Donating blood helps maintain Singapore’s blood supply and save lives. The blood donation process is simple – all you have to do is check your eligibility and make an appointment (the minimum age requirement for blood donors is 16 years old). Get eligible family members together and make a trip to the blood bank. If you’re organising a group blood drive for more than 10 participants, you can request for transport to one of the island’s blood banks. Find out more at giveblood.sg.   

4. Befriend senior neighbours

There are many seniors who are living alone or have no one to talk to or socialise with. Maintaining social connections in old age is important – it may help reduce cognitive decline and reduce the risk of depression, heart disease, stroke and premature death. If you have older neighbours who live alone or don’t get to see their children and grandchildren very often, take turns with your family members to spend time with them at home, take them on outings, help them with housework and grocery shopping, or escort them to medical appointments. 

You can also visit an aged care facility regularly and spend time with the residents there. 

Flowers will help put a smile on the faces of your elderly neighbours. If you’re a SAFRA member or serviceman, enjoy up to 20% off flower purchases at AngelFlorist, plus free delivery with every purchase. For more details, go to safra.sg/promotions/AngelFlorist

5. Put your skills to good use

Non-profit organisations are always on the lookout for people with special skills to help support their beneficiaries. If you are skilled in financial management, for example, you can empower low-income families to achieve financial independence and help them break the poverty cycle. If you have an art background, you can conduct free art classes for children who cannot afford art lessons. Find out what skills your family members can contribute and then contact local charities and non-profit organisations to find out how you can all put your talents to good use. 

6. Help clean our beaches and parks

Volunteers are always welcome to help remove litter from our beaches and parks, so get your family together to take action and make these public areas more enjoyable for other beach-goers. The Public Hygiene Council encourages Singaporeans to be part of the clean-up effort at various locations, including Changi Beach Park, Coney Island Park, Sembawang Park, Tiong Bahru Park, Woodlands Waterfront Park, and Pasir Ris Beach Park. 

Register online, for free, at publichygienecouncil.sg/beachcleanup. You will need to bring your own masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, tongs and trash bags, and you may borrow litter-picking tools via the website. Remember to download the online guide to help you organise your first clean-up. 

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story! 

The post From Beach Cleanups To Skills Sharing: 6 Ways To Give Back & Do Good As A Family appeared first on eNSMAN.

Loneliness is a huge problem that can have far-reaching effects. Last November, the World Health Organization declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, linking it with an increased risk of developing dementia, coronary heart disease and stroke. Loneliness can also leave young people feeling socially isolated, which may impact their emotional wellbeing and contribute to serious mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. 

Conversely, having close friends gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, makes us feel more confident, improves our mood, enriches our lives, and boosts our happiness. 

So, how do we go about making new friends and nurturing the friendships we already have, especially if we are always busy or don’t always feel comfortable putting ourselves out there? 

The International Day of Friendship on 30 July is a great occasion to think about the different ways to expand your social circle and make space in your life for new people who can help you grow as an individual. 

Here are six to start with. 

1. Seek out people with similar interests

When you find people who share the same interests as you, you’ll find it easier to connect with them, says June Wee-Grant, a life and modern leadership coach. She suggests making a list of activities you enjoy or have always wanted to try, and then joining a group or club that lets you meet people who love doing those same things. 

“They could start out as activity buddies at the very least, and these connections may eventually evolve into friendships,” she adds. 

It can be scary initiating conversations with complete strangers, but it’s important to take that first step. 

“Feeling vulnerable may actually be a good thing, because it can help warm other people up to you,” June says. 

“You could start the conversation by saying something like, ‘It’s my first time here and I don’t know anyone – what about you?’. 

“If that person is in the same boat as you, he may feel a sense of relief that he’s met you. On the other hand, if he’s familiar with others at the event, he may offer to introduce you to them and try to make you feel more at ease.” 

2. Catch up with old friends

Many of us have friends from our school days whom we’re no longer in touch with. Perhaps their lives went in a completely different direction and you never crossed paths with them again. 

If you feel that you can pick up where you left off with them, then why not look them up and reach out to them? It may feel awkward at first, especially if you haven’t seen each other in a long time, but June says to be casual in your approach. Who knows, they may be thrilled to hear from you and agree to catch up with you over a meal or a drink. 

3. Do volunteer work

Volunteering is a great way to not only give back to your community, contribute to a special cause, learn new skills and improve your emotional wellbeing; it’s also a chance to meet new people and participate in a shared activity with them.  

Friendships take time to build, so even if you volunteer once or twice a month, you’ll have regular opportunities to spend time with fellow volunteers and nurture the bonds that you’ve created with them. 

Find out more about how volunteering can enrich your life.

4. Make new friends through the ones you already have

If you are especially shy or don’t feel comfortable making new friends on your own, try joining the social circles of people you already know. That way, you won’t have to go through the process of looking for new people to hang out with, and, since you already know one person in the group, you’ll find it easier to open up and be yourself in front of the others. 

“Look at your friends and colleagues and identify the ones who are sociable and have a large network of friends,” says June. 

“Let them know that you’d like to tag along with them to some of their outings, so they’ll know to invite you in the future.”

5. Work on your current friendships

Don’t let the friendships you have fall by the wayside. Many friendships die out because both sides never bothered to stay in touch or work on the connection. 

“Check in with your friends from time to time to find out how they’re doing, and plan things to do together,” June explains. 

For instance, schedule regular dinner dates, play your favourite sports and games, or organise a weekend road trip.

But remember, maintaining close friendships isn’t just about spending time together, June continues. It’s also about engaging with each other authentically. When you’re tuned in to the other person, you connect with them on a more meaningful and genuine level.

6. Become a SAFRA member

Joining SAFRA gives you the chance to access the perks and amenities of a club lifestyle, score the best deals and discounts in town, and obtain exclusive services.

Beyond that, it’s an easy and convenient way to meet new people and maintain friendships with your NS buddies, thanks to the various social, recreational, sports and educational events offered regularly at the clubhouses. There are also many interest groups you can join, from the Social Badminton Club and the Adventure Club, to the Tech Club, the Golfing Section, and the Travel Club.    

SAFRA Membership is open to all existing and former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) NSmen, full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), SAF Regulars, Defence Executive Officers and their dependents. 

For more information and details on eligibility and how to join, go to safra.sg/faq/safra-membership. 

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The post Finding It Hard To Make New Friends? Here Are 6 Ways To Grow Your Social Circle appeared first on eNSMAN.