The opening ceremony of the “Joyful Companion” Wellness Carnival was officiated by Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health (middle); Dr Hon Tik Chi-yuen, Legislative Council Member (right); and Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President (left).
Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President, said that the Alliance hoped to convey the message of facing mental health issues with optimism and positivity and reducing social stigma towards mental illness, thus creating a healthy and harmonious community.
The carnival has six wellness-themed booths, including the one set up by HKMU School of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide free physiotherapy consultations and body composition measurements.
The City Companion” Community Alliance on Promoting Mental Health, established by the Auxiliary Medical Service, Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), SideBySide and The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, held its first “Joyful Companion” Wellness Carnival today in Lok Fu, with activities including game booths, a health sharing session and consultations, to promote public awareness of physical and mental well-being.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health; Dr Hon Tik Chi-yuen, Legislative Council Member; and Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President. Also present were Mr Simon Wong, Chairman of the Volunteer Team of the Auxiliary Medical Service; Ms Eva Mok Yee-man, Service Head (Integrated Mental Health Services) of Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service; Ms Lau Sze-fan, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service; Ms Cressida Leung, Deputy Chief Executive (Mental Health and Employment) of SideBySide; and Mr Ching Chi-kong, Director of The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Lam said, “The HKSAR Government has always attached great importance to the mental health of the public and is committed to raising public awareness and providing education across different age groups. On the prevention front, members of the public can get a better understanding of mental health through the new online platform 'Shall We Talk'. For early identification of persons with mental health needs, the Government launched the '18111' Mental Health Support Hotline to encourage members of the public or caregivers in need of mental health support to call for timely assistance.”
Addressing the ceremony, HKMU President Prof. Lam expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Alliance for the support from all parties for the carnival, which was organised by the University and the community to raise public awareness of physical and mental health. He said, “Through the community carnival, the Alliance hopes to convey a message of facing mental health issues with optimism and positivity, reducing social stigma towards mental illness, and encouraging mutual support in creating a healthy and harmonious community.”
He stated that in response to initiatives promoting mental health in the “Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address” and to reflect the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the community and the University, the Alliance has proactively organised a range of activities over the past six months. These activities include school education, student training, community outreach, and other mental health support services, benefiting over 3,300 individuals.
Dr Hon Tik said that raising public awareness of mental health requires joint efforts from the Government, social organisations and every citizen. The event exemplifies such collaboration. Through booth games, health talks and professional consultations, we hope to increase understanding of the importance of mental health and encourage everyone to seek support proactively, he said. Additionally, he hoped that the Government would continue to promote relevant policies and increase the allocation of resources in support of the development of mental health services.
Established in April, the Alliance plans to strengthen community work, such as arranging for university students and volunteers to assist in organising activities to promote mental health in primary and secondary schools, providing support for the elderly and persons in recovery, and enhancing mental health training for HKMU students to further promote community awareness of mental health.
The carnival, which received an enthusiastic response, featured six wellness-themed game booths, free consultations with a physiotherapist, body composition measurements, and a sharing session led by a physiotherapist. The event aimed to enhance public understanding and awareness of physical and mental health.
The opening ceremony of the “Joyful Companion” Wellness Carnival was officiated by Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health (middle); Dr Hon Tik Chi-yuen, Legislative Council Member (right); and Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President (left).
The City Companion” Community Alliance on Promoting Mental Health, established by the Auxiliary Medical Service, Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), SideBySide and The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, held its first “Joyful Companion” Wellness Carnival today in Lok Fu, with activities including game booths, a health sharing session and consultations, to promote public awareness of physical and mental well-being.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health; Dr Hon Tik Chi-yuen, Legislative Council Member; and Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing, HKMU President. Also present were Mr Simon Wong, Chairman of the Volunteer Team of the Auxiliary Medical Service; Ms Eva Mok Yee-man, Service Head (Integrated Mental Health Services) of Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service; Ms Lau Sze-fan, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service; Ms Cressida Leung, Deputy Chief Executive (Mental Health and Employment) of SideBySide; and Mr Ching Chi-kong, Director of The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Lam said, “The HKSAR Government has always attached great importance to the mental health of the public and is committed to raising public awareness and providing education across different age groups. On the prevention front, members of the public can get a better understanding of mental health through the new online platform 'Shall We Talk'. For early identification of persons with mental health needs, the Government launched the '18111' Mental Health Support Hotline to encourage members of the public or caregivers in need of mental health support to call for timely assistance.”
Addressing the ceremony, HKMU President Prof. Lam expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Alliance for the support from all parties for the carnival, which was organised by the University and the community to raise public awareness of physical and mental health. He said, “Through the community carnival, the Alliance hopes to convey a message of facing mental health issues with optimism and positivity, reducing social stigma towards mental illness, and encouraging mutual support in creating a healthy and harmonious community.”
He stated that in response to initiatives promoting mental health in the “Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address” and to reflect the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the community and the University, the Alliance has proactively organised a range of activities over the past six months. These activities include school education, student training, community outreach, and other mental health support services, benefiting over 3,300 individuals.
Dr Hon Tik said that raising public awareness of mental health requires joint efforts from the Government, social organisations and every citizen. The event exemplifies such collaboration. Through booth games, health talks and professional consultations, we hope to increase understanding of the importance of mental health and encourage everyone to seek support proactively, he said. Additionally, he hoped that the Government would continue to promote relevant policies and increase the allocation of resources in support of the development of mental health services.
Established in April, the Alliance plans to strengthen community work, such as arranging for university students and volunteers to assist in organising activities to promote mental health in primary and secondary schools, providing support for the elderly and persons in recovery, and enhancing mental health training for HKMU students to further promote community awareness of mental health.
The carnival, which received an enthusiastic response, featured six wellness-themed game booths, free consultations with a physiotherapist, body composition measurements, and a sharing session led by a physiotherapist. The event aimed to enhance public understanding and awareness of physical and mental health.
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