A New Life, A New Purpose
When the Institute of Mental Health relocated to its current Buangkok campus in 1993, we were joined by groves of Khaya Senegalensis trees along our perimeter. For over three decades, these trees have provided shade, beauty, and a sanctuary for local wildlife, enriching the environment for our staff, patients, and visitors. Towering and steadfast, they stood as silent witnesses to our journey, milestones, and commitment to fostering mental wellness and adding years of healthy life.
In recent years, however, these cherished trees succumbed to root rot disease. Despite our best efforts to save them, their condition continues to deteriorate, and we had to make the painful but necessary decision to remove them for safety reasons. Yet, their story did not end there.
Determined to honour their legacy, our General Service Operations team found a way to sustainably give them a new lease on life. Carefully salvaging the healthy parts of the wood, we transformed it into 12 beautifully crafted benches – each a tribute to the enduring strength of the Khaya trees. Now these benches offer our community a new form of comfort and rest, carrying forward a legacy of resilience for another 30 years and beyond.
Seats of Strength: Adopt a Bench now!
Just as the Khaya trees once stood tall before illness, they found a renewed purpose in their passing, continuing to serve the community meaningfully. Their transformation into benches reflects the journey of mental health recovery – a reminder that, even in challenging times, there is potential for renewal and growth. By adopting a bench, you help create a space for reflection, support and hope for our patients, and all who visit, leaving a legacy of compassion.
This transformation embodies the journey of resilience, growth, renewal, and strength — much like the path of mental health recovery. Join us in carrying forward this spirit of hope and renewal. Your support helps us continue to promote, develop and provide mental health-related services in Singapore. Together, we can turn loss into lasting beauty, inspiring hope and strength for all who seek comfort, purpose, and recovery within our spaces.
Adopt a Bench now: Leave a Legacy of Hope and Love
Preserved your cherished memories through a personalised message etched onto a plaque on the bench adopted. Create a lasting tribute to someone special or to commemorate a significant event in your life. It is the perfect opportunity and a meaningful way to honour you loved ones and celebrate important moments.
Khaya trees were planted around IMH perimeter, 1992
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 Khaya trees lining IMH perimeter, 2022
|  The painful decision to remove the trees due to root rot disease, 2023
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 Healthy logs were salvaged for the transformation, 2023
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 Transformation in progress, 2024
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