“Mental Health Symposium” Finished On A High Note
Click here back to New Life E-Newsletter March 2023
New Life successfully held the "Mental Health Symposium” and unveiled research findings of the newly launched "330 Well-Being Index" from 15 to 17 March. Themed "Change and Challenge: From Recovery to Holistic Well-being”, the symposium gathered government officials, domain experts and interested parties from local and abroad to discuss and explore seven major themes concerning mental health development through 16 sessions. The themes included 1) Overview and Prospect of the Recovery Model; 2) Peer Support; 3) Trauma-informed Care; 4) Mental Health in Community; 5) Vocational Training; 6) Deinstitutionalization; and 7) The Latest Development in Mental Health Service.
The symposium brought together over 1,300 participants, most joining online, to exchange thoughts and insights regarding various mental health-related issues. New Life would like to offer its deepest gratitude to all speakers, moderators, guests and participants for their support and assistance that have drawn to a successful conclusion of the event
New Life is committed to fostering a universal mental health transformation in a holistic approach. The three-day event strived to serve as a unique platform for government officials, academia, professionals, service providers as well as service users to jointly explore the best solutions to address the social challenges regarding mental health amid the "post-COVID” circumstance and enhance the body, mind and spirit well-being in an innovative and efficient manner. (Part of the event content will be uploaded to the official website gradually: https://symposium2023.nlpra.org.hk）
Prof. Annie TAM Kam-lan, GBS, JP, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of New Life, unveiled the event with her welcome speech and opening remarks, as she reviewed the organisation’s visions and missions, and its long-standing service journey for the past 58 years.
"We hope that through this symposium, government officials, academia, professionals, service providers as well as service users can get together to explore how we can better address the social challenges regarding mental health amid the "post-COVID” circumstance.”
Chairperson of the Executive Committee of New Life
Prof. Annie TAM Kam-lan, GBS, JP
Guest of Honour Prof. LO Chung-mau, BBS, JP, Secretary for Health Government of the HKSAR, delivered the symposium’s first speech on "Mental Health Services in Hong Kong”.
"New Life has long been the most significant and irreplaceable partner of the Government of the HKSAR in the field of fostering mental health.”
Secretary for Health of Government of the HKSAR
Prof. LO Chung-mau, BBS, JP
Guest of Honour Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of Government of the HKSAR concluded the event with his speech.
"Congratulations to New Life for this successful event with constructive discussions that took place in the past three days on mental health transformation and its importance to the public’s well-being.”
Secretary for Labour and Welfare of Government of the HKSAR
Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP
Cross-sector Dialogue
Over 30 speakers and moderators participated in the event, contributing to inspiring conversations on every topic.
Visits To so330
On the third day of the symposium, New Life arranged a visit for 20 participants from different sectors in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to its social enterprise so330. Hosted by Mr. Stephen YOUNG Wai Tsing, a member of the Executive Committee of New Life, the participants were offered a coffee workshop conducted by so330’s Inclusive Coffee Academy with Persons in Recovery, and a lunch meal at so330. Participants also learnt more about the social enterprise’s development, as well as its application of Recovery-Oriented Service and evolution in response to various challenges. Two staff who used to receive training at so330 were invited to share their journey. During the visit, Mr. Stephen YOUNG introduced his moments of voluntary work as a member of the Executive Committee of New Life for over 40 years.
Visits to New Life Farm And Tin King Sheltered Workshop
Another visit that coincided with the theme on the third day of the symposium: Recovery in Vocational Rehabilitation Training Services took place at New Life Farm And Tin King Sheltered Workshop, New Life’s vocational rehabilitation services units in Tuen Mun. 27 cross-industry participants from Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese mainland were delighted to have been introduced the Work Extension Programme, services for Autism patients, wooden craftsmanship training and Occupational Therapy Service at Tin King Sheltered Workshop. They also have received briefings from New Life’s team at New Life Farm regarding the facility’s coming enhancement plan, agricultural training projects and the integration of rehabilitation service and horticultural therapy.