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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) appealed to members of the public to show concern and care for elderly people who are frail, particularly those living alone, during the cold weather. People in need may call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255 for assistance.
With winter approaching, the SWD and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have already prepared to render assistance to the disadvantaged .
The SWD yesterday (November 28) notified relevant service units in districts and requested them to contact people in special circumstances, including single elderly persons and chronically ill patients, to provide appropriate support to them. At the same time, three Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers (ISTs), which provide support services in Hong Kong and on the outlying islands, in Kowloon and the New Territories respectively, are also stepping up their outreach efforts to render accommodation and tangible assistance as required to street sleepers.
Joining the outreach visit with social workers and volunteers tonight (November 29), the Director of Social Welfare, Ms Carol Yip, distributed blankets, warm clothing as well as food to street sleepers at Ching Ping Street subway and Ferry Street bridge in Yau Ma Tei, and introduced the support services available to them.
Ms Yip said that whenever cold spells are approaching, the SWD will maintain close liaison with NGOs and mobilise social workers and volunteers to reach out to frail and single elderly persons as well as street sleepers to show concern and support. "We have prepared about 2 400 blankets for distribution to those in need around the territory in the cold weather. Additional provision will be made if there is further need," she said.
During the cold weather last year, the three ISTs conducted visits to more than 170 street sleepers and distributed over 200 blankets and other warm items (such as winter clothing, scarf, warm hats and gloves). The ISTs will continue to render support to street sleepers in need and help them give up street sleeping, she added.
Ends/Friday, November 29, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:30
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