The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited Yau Tsim Mong District today (May 18), where he called at facilities providing services for persons with intellectual disabilities (PIDs), ex-offenders and those in need, and met with District Council members. The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Caspar Tsui, also joined the visit.

     Accompanied by the Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council (YTMDC), Mr Chris Ip, the District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong), Mrs Laura Aron, and the District Social Welfare Officer (Kowloon City/Yau Tsim Mong), Ms Nancy Kwan, Dr Law paid a visit to the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong Yaumatei Day Activity Centre. The centre provides day training services for PIDs and helps in referring trained participants with better working capabilities to sheltered workshops or supported employment services. The centre also operates Extended Care Programme for elderly trainees or those with deteriorating health conditions.

     Dr Law toured the centre's physiotherapy and occupational therapy training activities and chatted with trainees receiving art and craft training.

     He then proceeded to the SOUK housing unit of the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong, in Yau Ma Tei. The unit provides transitional housing for ex-offenders in need with a lower than market rent. Dr Law was pleased to note that the project not only offers a better living environment for ex-offenders, but also provides counselling and support by social workers to help them re-integrate into society.

     He also went to the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association Chan Hing Social Service Centre to learn more about its integrated community services for the elderly, women, youths and new arrivals, and observed its elderly interest classes, central kitchen facility, after-school care programme and homework guidance service.

     Before concluding his visit, Dr Law visited YTMDC and met with members to learn more about the latest developments and issues of concern in the district and to exchange views on district matters.

Ends/Friday, May 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:00

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