Starbucks dedicates first Community Store in Singapore to support mental wellness

Starbucks announces the opening of Singapore’s first Community Store at Active Garden, Gardens by the Bay. The store aims to support mental wellness and foster community engagement, reflecting the company’s ongoing mission to create nurturing spaces where individuals can come together and form meaningful connections.

Mental health is an increasingly important issue in Singapore, with approximately one in three youths aged 15 to 35 experiencing severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

To raise awareness of the issue, Starbucks Singapore has launched its first Community Store in partnership with two local organizations, Gardens by the Bay and MINDSET Care Limited, to promote mental wellness in the community.  A portion of beverage sales at this Community Store will help fund workshops and activities for beneficiaries of organizations dedicated to mental wellness.

Community Stores seek to strengthen local communities and create pathways to opportunities. This store joins over 50 Community Stores in Asia Pacific.

The Community Store aims to combine mental wellness advocacy with the lush greenery and tranquil waterfront surroundings of Gardens by the Bay. This thoughtfully designed space features informative panels that offer self-care tips and resources, encouraging awareness of mental wellness. In addition, the store showcases specially curated artworks celebrating human connections that unite people, reflecting Starbucks commitment to fostering a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome.

“Starbucks has always been dedicated to nurturing the limitless possibilities of human connection. With the launch of our first Community Store, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact and drive meaningful connections that champion mental wellness within our local communities,” said Patrick Kwok, General Manager at Starbucks Singapore.

Partnerships at the heart of the Community Store

Starbucks partnership with Gardens by the Bay supports mental well-being through workshops for the public and the Gardens’ Gift of Gardens community outreach initiative. These workshops will include aromatherapy and journaling, conducted by Gardens by the Bay’s volunteers, and coffee appreciation sessions, conducted by Starbucks baristas at the Community Store.

Additionally, “Wellness Friday,” will be held every second Friday of the month, allowing seniors and caregivers to enjoy activities such as gardening at Active Garden’s community garden, mindfulness activities and talks, and sensory tours at Flower Dome or Cloud Forest.

Furthermore, Starbucks partners (employees) will join Gardens by the Bay’s volunteers throughout the year to take seniors from nursing homes on outings to the Gardens to enrich their mental well-being.

Starbucks long-standing partnership with MINDSET Care Limited has driven impactful initiatives, including mental health awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and Mini-MINDSET Days, where mental health clients and caregivers are welcomed into the stores for enriching activities and workshops led by Starbucks partners.

The collaboration with MINDSET Care will extend to the Active Garden Community Store, where MINDSET will curate wellness resources and host future events, enabling beneficiaries to experience the Gardens through specialized workshops and programs that promote mental wellness and foster connections within the community. Through facilitating these meaningful interactions, Starbucks aims to make a lasting positive impact on the community and advance mental wellness advocacy.