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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, called on the public to care for their family members' mental health in order to build a harmonious family relation and surmount obstacles that come into the way.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mental Health Month 2007 today (October 21), Mr Cheung said the theme "Care for your family, Care for their mental health" this year aimed at encouraging the public to care for their family members' mental health.
"The theme of the Mental Health Month is in line with the Government¡¦s new approach in the formulation of its social policy and welfare planning which focuses on the importance of family as a core social value," Mr Cheung said.
"The Government is committed to promoting mental health through a multi-pronged approach. Apart from public education, we provide support, counselling and treatment to the mentally ill. We also offer a whole range of rehabilitation services to help the ex-mentally ill re-integrate into society. In addition, the Disability Discrimination Ordinance has been enacted to ensure equal opportunities for the disabled," he added.
The Mental Health Month is jointly organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and government departments and non-government organisations. The event was first held in 1995 and has entered its 13th year. Booths were set up by non-governmental organisations at Olympic City 2 today to disseminate publicity materials on mental health. More information of the activities of the Mental Health Month can be found at the Labour and Welfare Bureau web site at http://www.lwb.gov.hk.
Ends/Sunday, October 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:30
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