As a result of lack of understanding on mental illness and social discrimination against mental patients, many people with suspected mental health problems are being rejected. This not only makes patients’ conditions get worse, but it also leads to the existence of “hidden” cases in the community. In response to these social problems, the Community Mental Health Intervention Project (CoMHIP) was commenced in October 2007 with the funding from the Social Welfare Department. The main objective of the project is to provide specialized, intensive and reaching-out services for persons with suspected mental health problems. Their behaviours may include poor interpersonal relationships, prolonged sadness, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendency, misbehaviours or self-inflicting harm behaviours. We provide them and/or their family members with services so as to assist them to deal with problems arising from their poor mental health conditions.

Currently, we are operating two CoMHIP teams to provide services in Tuen Mun and Sham Shui Po respectively. We work closely with Integrated Family Services Centres, Medical Social Services Units and Community Psychiatric Service (CPS) in the community, so as to provide referrals, casework, supportive groups and programmes for service users.