To echo World Mental Health Day 2026, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 9) launched a three-day mental health promotion event, the Mental Recharge Station, at MOSTown in Ma On Shan. Featuring free interactive experiences, games and workshops, the event encourages members of the public to pay more attention to mental health and listen more to those around them, so that everyone, including those in need, can find a "mental recharge station" where they can share. The DH appealed to members of the public to join the event over the weekend and work together to build an inclusive and caring community that better safeguards mental health.
 
     The World Federation for Mental Health designates October 10 every year as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts to support people experiencing emotional or mental health distress. This year’s theme is "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change", highlighting the importance of listening attentively to the personal experiences and needs of people experiencing emotional or mental health distress. It also seeks to promote understanding, dispel misconceptions and stigma and help them access appropriate support in the community.
 
     The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam said, "Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The Chief Executive has recently announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, which clearly set out the need to strengthen community psychological and mental health support and implement 11 measures to promote mental health. We will make every effort to implement the relevant objectives and continuously enhance public awareness and overall mental health."
 
     He emphasised, "Mental wellbeing is an essential part of overall health. Everyone may experience stress, changes in mood or psychological distress at different stages of life. While many people make a conscious effort to exercise regularly and watch their diet to maintain their physical health, they often neglect to look after their psychological wellbeing and emotions. Members of the public are encouraged to give equal importance to mental and physical health. In addition to developing healthy lifestyle habits and adopting positive emotional management practices, they should also show greater care for those around them. If family members, friends, colleagues or classmates experience sustained emotional distress, they can express concern and listen patiently, avoid criticism, dismissive remarks or stigmatising words or actions, and encourage those concerned to seek professional help early, such as through the '18111 - Mental Health Support Hotline'."
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to public mental health. Through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, the Government has strengthened mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, timely intervention and support services. The HKSAR Government launched the "18111 - Mental Health Support Hotline" in December 2023, providing 24-hour one-stop emotional and mental health support and referral services. To further enhance the convenience and comprehensiveness of the service, four new functions were introduced in November last year, namely WhatsApp support, multi-language support, scheduled callback, and additional optional services. From its launch to September 30 this year, the hotline's professional staff have handled nearly approximately 352 900 calls and 6 250 WhatsApp messages, providing immediate support.
           
     On the promotion and prevention front, the DH and the Advisory Committee on Mental Health jointly implement the "Shall We Talk" mental health promotion and public education initiative. Through a one-stop thematic website (shallwetalk.hk), media and social media platforms, as well as school and community activities, the initiative disseminates relevant health messages and enhances public understanding of mental health. As at the end of September this year, the thematic website had recorded more than 4.4 million visits, while activities for primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions had reached more than 100 000 students. The Government also promotes mental health in the workplace through the Mental Health Workplace Charter to foster a positive workplace culture of care, inclusion, active listening and communication, and create an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees experiencing emotional distress.
 
     In addition, the Government launched the Healthy Mind Pilot Project (Pilot Project) in August 2024 to offer free initial mental health assessments at the community level and provide evidence-based psychological intervention for people experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress, so as to achieve early identification and early intervention to prevent further deterioration. The Pilot Project aims to detect people with psychological distress at an early stage and enhance their ability in managing their mental wellness through low-intensity psychological intervention. Those assessed as high-risk cases will be referred to relevant district professional service partners for multidisciplinary support services, so that they can receive more comprehensive and professional care and support in the community.
 
     The Government will continue to work with different sectors of the community and stakeholders to strengthen mental health promotion, eliminate public stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people with mental health needs to seek help early, with a view to building a mental health-friendly community.
 
     The Mental Recharge Station will be held from today until October 11 (Sunday) from noon to 8pm daily. For more information on the Mental Recharge Station and mental health, please visit the "Shall We Talk" thematic website.

Ends/Friday, October 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:10

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