JARDINE Matheson Group’s registered charity, Mindset Care, raised more than S$300,000 on Sunday (Oct 22) for its flagship project, DigitalMindset.

The initiative is an intervention programme for children and young adults suffering from mental health issues linked to the overuse of digital devices.

The funds were raised through the charity’s annual The Mindset Challenge and Carnival (TMCC), which saw about 3,000 participants.

A recent study conducted by the National University of Singapore revealed that one in three teenagers suffer from mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Researchers have also found links between the use of digital and social media and young adults’ negative mental health.

Benjamin Birks, chairman of Mindset, said: “As our world becomes increasingly digital, the younger generation is growing up at a time when digital devices and social media are an integral part of their lives from an incredibly young age. While these tools offer connectivity and convenience, they also bring a set of unique challenges. We have a collective responsibility to help our youth in navigating the digital landscape, while they learn to develop their emotional resilience to support mental well-being.”

James Tan, CEO of Touch Community Services, added: “Over the last few years, we have seen an uptick in interest for DigitalMindset, with more youths and their families willing to seek help by enrolling in the programme... We have also witnessed firsthand the impact of the programme on our beneficiaries.”

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Unlike past years, the vertical challenge – where contestants would race up the 33-floor Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 – is now replaced with the option of a 5 km or 10 km competitive run or a 3 km walk.

The event’s guest-of-honour was Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development.

After the races, participants could join a traditional Kampung themed carnival.

Birks said that the new race format promotes greater inclusivity as more TMCC guests will now be able to show their support towards mental health.

TMCC has raised over S$3.5 million in support of the mental health cause since the fundraiser started in 2012.