***********************************************************
The Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides held its second meeting this afternoon (May 27).
At its first meeting on April 29, the Committee set up five working groups to enable focused discussions on strategies for preventing student suicides in relation to mental health, family, school, media and youth/tertiary institutions.
The working group on mental health met on May 20. Under the leadership of its convenors, Professor Hung Se-fong, Honorary Consultant (Psychiatry) of Kwai Chung Hospital, and Dr Cheryl So, Senior Clinical Psychologist of Kwai Chung Hospital, members analysed the relationship between mental health and suicides by making reference to local and global data and contexts, and proposed preventive measures in this regard. Findings of the group's discussion were reported at the meeting of the Committee today.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Professor Paul Yip, said, "The preventive measures proposed by the working group on mental health are appropriate and practicable. At the meeting, Committee members had further discussions on these preventive measures, which include promotion of students' mental health; enhancement of the identification, referral and support mechanism for students with mental health issues; and provision of tools for identification and support, as well as appropriate training, for teachers. The views they gave are invaluable."
The other four working groups will meet between June and August, and will submit their suggestions to the Committee for further deliberation at its monthly meetings.
The Committee will continue to listen to views from the community on measures to prevent student suicides. It expects to submit its report and recommendations to the Secretary for Education in late October. If necessary, an interim report will be submitted in July.
Ends/Friday, May 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:20
NNNN