Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association (the “Association”) is a non-profit organisation incorporated under Chapter 1024 of Hong Kong Ordinance. The Association was established in 1948 for the prevention and cure of tuberculosis, chest and heart diseases. With the aim to strive for a healthier community in Hong Kong, the Association has broadened its service scope to encompass various aspects of health services in recent years, including care and attention home services for the elderly, Chinese medicine services, oral health services and health education and promotion services.

In a proactive response to the alarming rise in youth suicide rates in recent years, the Association is pleased to announce its commitment of HK$1.08 million to support Phase II of the WeCare SOS Programme. This initiative, originally launched by the Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association (HKMWA) and the Hong Kong Social Workers Association (HKSWA) in December 2023, aims to provide vital mental health services to at-risk students. Since its inception, the WeCare SOS Programme has successfully identified and treated over 200 cases by offering each participant four initial community psychiatric consultations at no cost.

With the initial funding for Phase I nearing depletion, and in light of the ongoing need for mental health support, Phase II will commence seamlessly to continue aiding students in crisis. HKMWA will organise Phase II, with the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong (MHAHK) as co-organiser, and HKSWA and The Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools (HKAHSS) as supporting organisations.

Key enhancements for Phase II include:

• Increased Consultation Sessions: From 4 to up to 10 free consultation sessions per case.
• Medication Subsidy: A maximum subsidy of HK$5,000 per case for medication fees.

The WeCare SOS Programme Phase II represents a crucial step in addressing the mental health crisis among youth in Hong Kong, and has the potential to serve as a critical component of the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism for student suicide prevention implemented by the Government through cross-departmental collaboration of the Health Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau.

The funding for Phase II of the WeCare SOS Programme underscores the Association's unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and the well-being of the community. As a non-profit organization, the Association will continue to support and align with the government's relevant policies, utilising its strengths to organise related educational activities with the aim to foster a supportive environment that prioritises the mental wellbeing of our young people, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need to thrive.

21 November 2024