Annual District Highlights

District Highlights 2023-24

1. Caring for and Supporting Carers

A series of district promotional and support programmes under the banner of “The Beautiful Journey of Carers” was launched to encourage carers to take care of their own needs. The signature event, “Cheer-up Day”, jointly run by over 30 organisations, was held on 25 November 2023 for 300 elderly persons, persons with disabilities and their carers, aiming to recognise their efforts and expand their support networks through activities like service exhibitions, stress-relief activities and respite services, etc. In addition, over 250 service users visited respite service units, where they were encouraged to use the services to alleviate caregiving stress. The Community Carer’s Cafés were also extended to new estates in the district for carers in need of a break and relaxation. The eight cafés served about 800 carers.
10 000 copies of the “Carers Resource Kits”, containing consolidated local service information, were distributed to different service units in the district. A dedicated “Carer Resources Page” was added to the online mental health service information platform “Heart and Soul Scenic Drive”, which features a resource map and a digital version of the “Carers Resource Kits” to facilitate carers’ access to district service information.

2. Mobiliising Community Resources and Networks to Help Disadvantaged Families and Youth Get Back on Track, while Strengthening Their Positive Mindsets

The “Chill Hub” Life Blueprint Programme was launched, inviting professionals from various sectors to provide career development information, and establishing a youth-led social platform for the regular dissemination of career development resources. A two-day “Small Stalls, Big Stories” bazaar was organised, attracting over 700 youths to showcase their creativity and talents. The “Teen Guardians@TPN” Project trained over 500 youths as ambassadors to support their peers’ mental well-being through positive thinking, benefiting 2 500 young people. The “Hope for Teens” parent workshop was conducted by the integrated family service centres to raise parents’ awareness of adolescent mental health issues and strengthen their supporting roles through drama therapy.
For underprivileged families to alleviate stress and enhance positive family relationships, the District Social Welfare Office continued to organise support and developmental activities, including the “Walking Hand in Hand - Parent-Child Programme for Children’s Development”, co-organised with The Education University of Hong Kong; the “Wish Wagon” event held in collaboration with the business sector; and the “Caring Kitchen” programme. These initiatives sought to enhance family interaction and strengthen neighbourhood support networks.

3. Enhancing Support for Frail Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

Under the district collaboration project “Caring for the Elderly in the Neighbourhood”, over 200 Neighbourhood Care Ambassadors were mobilised to reach out to residents in small localities and conduct needs assessments for at-risk elderly persons/carers. A district information video was produced to help frontline staff/security personnel of housing estates enhance their awareness and ability to identify and assist hidden elderly persons/persons with disabilities and carers. This initiative benefited over 1 700 individuals. The “A Society for All” Inclusion and Integration Community Education Project was launched to fund various district organisations to co-organise activities that promoted social integration and inclusion, benefiting 1 200 targeted individuals. A mental health education seminar titled “Community in Good Spirits”, co-organised with the North District Hospital and local organisations, was conducted to enhance carers’ and service providers’ understanding of mental recovery and related support services, with approximately 170 participants. Furthermore, the “Tai Po North Volunteer Service Awards Programme” mobilised local groups and volunteers to provide diverse services to persons with disabilities, single elderly persons/elderly couples, carers, subdivided flat residents, low-income families and squatter residents, benefiting a total of 1 500 individuals.