THE HUMAN STORY BOOK CAFE | Stories That Deserve To Be Heard

Stories That Deserve To Be Heard is a healing community dialogue space where lived experiences inspire empathy, hope, dignity and connection
About this Event

The Human Story Book Café 2026 is a community storytelling and dialogue initiative by A Voice To Be Heard Limited (AV2BHL) that creates a safe and meaningful space for people to listen, reflect, and connect through lived experiences. Centered on the theme “Stories That Deserve To Be Heard,” the event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share real human journeys surrounding recovery, resilience, mental health, identity, healing, stigma, and hope.

Through healing conversations, human stories, and guided community dialogue, participants will experience a café-style engagement where stories are not merely spoken, but deeply heard with empathy and respect. The session aims to strengthen understanding, reduce stigma, encourage inclusion, and remind individuals that every voice carries value, dignity, and meaning.

The Human Story Book Café is more than an event. It is a space to listen, a space to share, and a space to belong — where stories become bridges for healing, connection, and collective humanity.

Ranjit Singh

Program Manager, Pr*son Support Services – The Salvation Army | Addiction Counsellor | Peer Support Specialist Trainer | Recovery Advocate

Ranjit Singh is a recovery advocate, addiction professional, and programme leader with extensive experience in Pr*son rehabilitation, peer support, and community reintegration. He currently serves with The Salvation Army Pr*son Support Services, supporting recovery-focused initiatives for individuals navigating addiction, incarceration, and personal transformation.

He holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from ECTA Singapore and is professionally certified as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), and Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainer through APSAC. His professional experience includes leadership and counselling roles at The Helping Hand Halfway House and the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

Grounded in both professional practice and lived experience, Ranjit is passionate about reducing stigma, strengthening recovery support, and helping individuals rebuild dignity, purpose, and hope. As a speaker, he brings empathy, authenticity, and practical insight into the realities of recovery and lasting change.

Paul TAN

Paul Tan combines academic training, professional experience, and lived understanding in the areas of recovery, rehabilitation, and community support. He holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from James Cook University and a Graduate Diploma in Social Work from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, alongside ACTA Certification in Training and Assessment.

Over the years, Paul has worked across social work, rehabilitation, healthcare, and training environments, supporting individuals and families navigating recovery, reintegration, and personal challenges. He also volunteers with YRCares and A Voice To Be Heard (AV2BH), reflecting his commitment to community engagement and social impact.

Having journeyed through addiction, incarceration, personal loss, and recovery, Paul now speaks from both professional knowledge and lived experience. His story is ultimately one of accountability, healing, rebuilding trust, and discovering hope through recovery. As a speaker, he brings empathy, authenticity, and practical insight into the realities of change, resilience, and second chances.

Idid Hazalee

Idid Hazalee Bin Hamid is a service leadership professional, recovery advocate, and lived-experience speaker whose journey reflects resilience, accountability, and personal transformation. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and frontline leadership, he currently serves as a Restaurant Manager at The Ballroom Singapore, with previous leadership roles across established hospitality brands including The Malayan Council, Timbre Group, Spize Restaurant, and Texas Chicken.

Before entering the hospitality industry, Idid served six years with the local Civil Defence Force (SCDF) as a firefighter and Non-Commissioned Officer (Sergeant), specialising in emergency response and crisis management. Following years of personal struggles and incarceration linked to substance addiction, he committed himself to long-term recovery and rebuilding his life through discipline, reflection, and meaningful contribution.

Today, Idid actively supports recovery and community initiatives including DrugsFreeSG, SANA Peer Leadership, Yellow Ribbon programmes, and ISCOS Titans. As a speaker, he shares openly about recovery, second chances, rebuilding trust, and restoring dignity through action and accountability.

Laras Widdiyana

Laras Widdiyana is a recovery advocate, peer mentor, and community volunteer Champion who actively supports individuals and families affected by substance use, stigma, and reintegration challenges. Grounded in lived experience, she is passionate about creating safe spaces for healing, encouragement, and second chances through peer support and community engagement.

She is actively involved in several recovery and community initiatives, including volunteering with the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA), participating in Yellow Ribbon Singapore Care Network support groups, and serving as a Peer Mentor with Ultimate Friends SG (UFSG). Through these roles, Laras contributes to peer support programmes, anti-drug advocacy efforts, community outreach activities, and recovery support initiatives.

Outside of her advocacy work, Laras enjoys jogging and cycling, reflecting her belief in personal wellness, resilience, and self-discipline. Through her lived experience and ongoing community involvement, she hopes to encourage others to believe that healing, recovery, and rebuilding are always possible.