A Place in the Sun

Foreword by Halimah Yacob
Chief Patron, Club HEAL
President, Republic of Singapore

Let me first commend Club HEAL for producing their fourth book, A Place in the Sun. This book will greatly benefit those who are going through the healing process, their caregivers, health care professionals and everyone else in the community.

Like the other three books, A Place in the Sun gives an account of the lives of those who have been severely affected by mental illness. While the writing style makes it easy to read, the stories told by the individual sufferers or their caregivers are heart-wrenching, and painful are the descriptions of their journeys and their attempts to make sense of things. Many could not comprehend what was happening to them and were even more perplexed as to why the illness had chosen them.

In most cases, the illness crept into their lives almost unnoticed, although sometimes triggered by personal tragedies or the uncaring and cruel conduct of others. But what comes across most vividly in the book are their strength, stoicism and courage in overcoming the odds against them. This is the most inspiring part about The Place in the Sun and I believe it will greatly motivate and inspire all who read it.

The title of the book itself should cause us to ponder and ask ourselves whether we really mean it when we often say that everyone, including those with mental illness, has a place in the sun. Have we as a society truly progressed to a level where we can accept people with mental illness and make an effort to accommodate them in our lives, our work and our community? I believe that we are still very much a work in progress and have a lot more to do.

To all those who are suffering from mental illness and their caregivers, you have my deepest sympathy and respect, for your battles are long and sufferings unimaginable. I hope that the stories captured in this book will help to lighten your pain.

And to all those who have stood by their side and helped and supported them in any way, my deepest gratitude too.