STRIVING to be the one-stop sanctuary for special needs children, The Passion Hub is committed to offering comprehensive and evidence-based services that cater to the unique needs of each child, fostering holistic growth and well-being.
Its founder Dr Kelvin Lee said the centre embraces holistic intervention beyond traditional boundaries.
“We acknowledge that the society’s landscape is not always conducive to the wellbeing of special needs individuals.
“They face unique challenges, including social stigmas, educational barriers, and sometimes isolation.
“We understand that their journey is multi-faceted. It is not just about the diagnosis, but also about understanding the individual’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations. It is also about fostering an environment where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually,” Dr Lee said in his speech during the opening of the centre recently.
Being a psychiatrist, Dr Lee said his journey in the field of mental health has been both enlightening and challenging.
“It has taught me the impact that a comprehensive and holistic intervention can have on the lives of individuals with special needs.
“Mental health is not a separate entity as it is intricately linked to a person’s overall well-being – supporting one aspect inevitably supports the other,” Dr Lee added.
The Passion Hub directors – Yunice Ong and Jacqlynn Teong – also shared their stories, leading to the setting up of the centre.
Ong emphasised that the centre boasts a dedicated team of professionals adept at comprehensively understanding each child’s unique needs.
“Through an integration of therapy and specialised education, our centre fosters an environment focused on nurturing a child’s holistic development, encompassing emotional, social, and various other facets,” she said.
Meanwhile, Teong said the centre also strived to provide a supportive learning and working environment for trainees and young professionals entering the field.
“We believe that the service providers should be well-supported to deliver the best care for the students,” she said.
The guest of honour, Tan Lean Kee, who is the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, commended The Passion Hub for being a place that inculcates inclusivity, compassion, and transformative change.
“We must recognise that there is much work to be done. We need more trained professionals, awareness, and above all, a community that understands the significance of inclusivity.
“It is heartening to see organisations such as The Passion Hub stepping up, but our collective support is paramount,” Tan said.
She congratulated The Passion Hub and its team.
“You are not just opening a centre, you are opening doors to a brighter and more inclusive future for Penang,” Tan said.
Visit https://www.thepassionhub.co/our-service for more details about The Passion Hub.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of The Passion Hub