Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Mental Health Month 2013 launched (with photos)
***********************************************

     More than 1 000 people from all walks of life took part in the launching of Mental Health Month 2013 and the annual Mental Health Walk at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay today (October 6) to commence a five-month programme of public education activities.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that the Government had kept devoting additional resources and introducing new measures over the years to enhance the mental health services for persons with mental illness and others in need.

     "Government expenditure on mental health services has increased by over 30 per cent in the past five years from $3.63 billion in 2008-09 to $4.78 billion in 2012-13," Mr Cheung said.

     Among the services provided, the Social Welfare Department has established 24 Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) service points in all the 18 districts across the territory since 2010 to provide one-stop, district-based service to ex-mentally ill persons, persons with suspected mental health problems, their families and carers as well as residents living in the district served. In 2013-14, funding for the ICCMWs has amounted to $190 million.

     In addition, to assist ex-mentally ill persons to integrate into the community, the Government has substantially increased spending on community rehabilitation services by over 40 per cent in the past five years. The number of medical social workers stationed at public hospitals and psychiatric out-patient clinics also increased to more than 240.

     Mr Cheung pointed out that the effective promotion of mental health would depend on the concerted efforts of the Government and the community at large. He noted that the Organising Committee of the Mental Health Month has organised a series of territory-wide and district-based activities this year to promote family wellness as part of the "Hong Kong: Our Home" public participation campaign. He called for public support in building a healthy, caring and mutually supportive society.

     Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Mr Herman Hui, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of Mental Health Month, Dr Fung Cheung-tim. Mr Cheung presented certificates of appointment to the Mental Health Ambassadors, Dr Peter Cheung and Ms Eugina Lau, at the ceremony. The two Ambassadors also shared with the audience some tips to maintain mental wellness.

     Following the opening ceremony, the officiating guests and the Mental Health Ambassadors joined the starting ceremony of the Mental Health Walk. Leading about 1 000 participants from the business sector, the rehabilitation sector, schools and the community, they paraded from Victoria Park to the Hennessy Road Government Primary School in Wan Chai to demonstrate support for the event and to encourage the public to pay more attention to their own mental health and that of their families and friends.

     Mental Health Month is jointly organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau, government departments, public organisations and non-governmental organisations. Details of the activities being held during Mental Health Month can be found on the Labour and Welfare Bureau website (www.lwb.gov.hk).

Ends/Sunday, October 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:50

NNNN

Photo Photo Photo
Print this page