Many Hong Kong citizens who suffer from mental health problems are reluctant to seek medical help as they feel it to be a taboo subject. It is to address this need that The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted the Patient Care Foundation funding to host the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference 2017, which opened today (3 November) at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. The three-day conference features some 100 local and overseas experts who are sharing their views on the city’s attitude towards mental health under the theme of “Mental Health Matters: Overcoming the Stigma”.
Officiating at the opening ceremony were Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow; Chief Executive of the HKSAR Carrie Lam; Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan; Director of Health Dr Constance Chan; Co-chair of the conference and Founder of the Patient Care Foundation Dr Lucy Lord; Co-chair of the conference and President of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists Professor Eric Chen; and Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at HKU, Professor Gabriel Leung.
“The World Health Organisation has stated there is ‘no health without mental health’,” Mr Chow told the delegates. “Mental well-being is an essential component in the healthy development of our families and communities, and this fact must be recognised and promoted. To reduce stigma and encourage people in need to seek timely support, public education and mental health promotion are much needed. The Trust is therefore very pleased to support the Patient Care Foundation in hosting today’s conference.”
The Hong Kong Mental Health Conference 2017 brings together numerous disciplines including corporations, educators, public health specialists, caregivers and NGOs to share their vision. They are examining mental health issues in the context of six theme areas: educational settings, the workplace, healthcare, the elderly, the media, the legal system and policy making. The first two days feature keynote speakers and panel discussions, while the final day will take the form of an open forum at which various mental health organisations in Hong Kong are invited to share their strategies and experiences, so as to strengthen support for mental patients and their caregivers. The conference is expected to attract some 600 participants. For details, please visit: http://www.hkmentalhealthconference.com/index.php.
The Club has been a staunch supporter of efforts to promote mental well-being in the community. Examples include initiating the “JC JoyAge: Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness” in collaboration with HKU and six NGOs to provide holistic support to older people at risk or having mild to moderate depression; and funding the Jockey Club Early Psychosis Project to provide early intervention for patients.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.
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Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow says mental well-being is an essential component in the healthy development of families and communities.
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Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference 2017 are Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow (2nd right); Chief Executive of the HKSAR Carrie Lam (2nd left); Co-chair of the conference and Founder of the Patient Care Foundation Dr Lucy Lord (1st left); and Co-chair of the conference and President of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists Professor Eric Chen (1st right).
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A group photo of Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow (3rd right); Chief Executive of the HKSAR Carrie Lam (centre); Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan (2nd left); Director of Health Dr Constance Chan (1st right); Co-chair of the conference and Founder of the Patient Care Foundation Dr Lucy Lord (3rd left); Co-chair of the conference and President of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists Professor Eric Chen (2nd right); and Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at HKU, Professor Gabriel Leung (1st left) at the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference 2017.
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